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At the idea of a fresh progressive party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in joining.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's first major event would herald a renewed effort.

Troubling First Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the policies of the incumbent leadership and searching for a new party as they fear the rise of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

But when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a short distance from the venue.

Structure Disagreement

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader voted into power, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this system.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being made by lay members – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about various associates and Your Party officials whom she thinks are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Strains came to a head around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson labeled this a “political persecution”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the election authority – were angry, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “sideshow”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one associate said: “Even if it is not registered with the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Participants

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s events descended into group conflicts when they would have wanted to focus on crucial matters such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is still considering if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some supporters think the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the official title and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

Yet the majority of attendees remained despondent as they made their way of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was expressed by one participant, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a entire container.”