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At the idea of a new progressive party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its founders rowed bitterly over its early governance and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would represent a renewed effort.

Disappointing Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, unhappy about the agenda of the current government and looking for a political home as they worry about the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

However when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a short distance from the venue.

Leadership Disagreement

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this system.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with important choices being decided by lay members – those not presently working as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, however, indicate she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about various associates and Your Party officials whom she believes are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Strains reached a peak around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her representative labeled this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the regulatory body – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the new party.

On the status of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be registered with the election authority but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Participants

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings turned into factionalism when they would have preferred to discuss key issues such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

The group is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some participants think the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

But many participants remained despondent as they made their way of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was expressed by an individual delegate, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a bottle.”