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When the concept of a new progressive party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in participating.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its leaders clashed fiercely over its early governance and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would herald a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the policies of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they are concerned by the growing influence of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a short distance from the location.

Leadership Disagreement

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and implied he’d be likely to run if members voted for this system.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, however, state she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and group leaders whom she thinks are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that relations between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Strains escalated significantly around midday when it emerged Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – particularly the the political group. Her spokesperson called this a “political persecution”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the regulatory body – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be registered with the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by group conflicts when they would have preferred to address crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants believe the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The result is unclear if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still desire cohesion.

But most delegates remained despondent as they departed of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was captured by a single delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a bottle.”