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When the concept of a new progressive party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number expressed an interest in becoming members.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the agenda of the present administration and searching for a new party as they fear the growing influence of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the well-known duo, stating: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

But when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a mile from the venue.

Leadership Conflict

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he supported a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and implied he’d be likely to run if members selected this system.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with important choices being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and group leaders whom she thinks are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Conflict came to a head around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – notably the the SWP. Her spokesperson labeled this a “political persecution”, stating: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the regulatory body – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “distraction”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Participants

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s events turned into internal disputes when they would have wanted to discuss crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants think the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The result is unclear if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still wish for unity.

Yet most delegates remained discouraged as they departed of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was captured by one participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a full bottle.”