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At the idea of a new progressive party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals expressed an interest in joining.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by arguments – its founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's first major event would herald a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, disappointed by the direction of the current government and searching for a new party as they worry about the growing influence of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

However when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a mile from the location.

Leadership Conflict

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a traditional leadership model, with a single individual voted into power, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this system.

But, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with important choices being made by lay members – those not currently acting as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, however, state she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and party administrators whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions came to a head around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the the SWP. Her aide called this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “secondary event”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be officially listed by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s activities became dominated by factionalism when they would have wanted to address key issues such as the financial challenges and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is still considering if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants believe the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for cohesion.

However most delegates remained despondent as they shuffled out of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was summed up by an individual delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a entire container.”