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As the notion of a recent progressive party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in becoming members.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its early governance and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would herald a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, disappointed by the direction of the incumbent leadership and searching for a political home as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a brief walk from the venue.

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members voted for this approach.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she feels are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Tensions reached a peak around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her representative described this as a “political persecution”, stating: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They think permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be registered with the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s activities became dominated by factionalism when they would have preferred to focus on key issues such as the financial challenges and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some supporters believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has comforted those who still hope for agreement.

However most delegates remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was expressed by a single delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a full bottle.”