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At the idea of a fresh progressive party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in joining.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its leaders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would herald a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the policies of the current government and looking for a ideological base as they worry about the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

But when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a brief walk from the location.

Governance Division

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be likely to run if members chose this option.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with important choices being taken by ordinary participants – those not presently working as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – 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 Your Party officials whom she feels are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Strains reached a peak around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the the political group. Her aide called this a “political persecution”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the regulatory body – were angry, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not registered with the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by internal disputes when they would have preferred to focus on key issues such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is still considering if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members feel the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The result is unclear if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has comforted those who still hope for cohesion.

However most delegates remained despondent as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by an individual participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a entire container.”