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As the notion of a new progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in participating.

Although it was quickly beset by arguments – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a new beginning.

Troubling First Day

A significant portion of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the agenda of the present administration and searching for a political home as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the well-known duo, remarking: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

However when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a brief walk from the location.

Governance Disagreement

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a traditional leadership model, with a single individual chosen to lead, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this approach.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with crucial policies being taken by lay members – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, however, suggest she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about various associates and Your Party officials whom she thinks are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that relations between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Factionalism

Strains came to a head around midday when it became known Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson called this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were angry, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the new party.

On the status of the SWP, one associate said: “Even if it is not registered with the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Participants

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s events descended into group conflicts when they would have rather address crucial matters such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some supporters believe the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for unity.

But most delegates remained discouraged as they made their way of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was captured by one attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a bottle.”