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When the concept of a fresh progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number expressed an interest in becoming members.

Despite being quickly beset by arguments – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and funding model – many expected this weekend's first major event would signal a new beginning.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the direction of the incumbent leadership and seeking a ideological base as they worry about the rise of the rival party.

As plans for the party's launch event were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the well-known duo, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

Yet when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a short distance from the location.

Governance Conflict

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader voted into power, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members voted for this system.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with key decisions being decided by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about various associates and party administrators whom she believes are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Factionalism

Strains escalated significantly around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would not attend the initial sessions 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 the SWP. Her aide described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were angry, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by internal disputes when they would have preferred to focus on important topics such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some participants think the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still hope for unity.

Yet most delegates remained disheartened as they made their way of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was captured by an individual delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a entire container.”