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When the concept of a new progressive party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in participating.

Despite being quickly beset by internal conflicts – its founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would herald a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

A significant portion of the participants are former Labour members, disappointed by the policies of the incumbent leadership and seeking a ideological base as they fear the rise of the rival party.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a short distance from the conference site.

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he supported a established hierarchical structure, with one person elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members voted for this approach.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with important choices being made by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, however, indicate she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about various associates and party administrators whom she thinks are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Strains escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – particularly the the political group. Her aide described this as a “targeted purge”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the regulatory body – were angry, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “sideshow”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Participants

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s activities turned into group conflicts when they would have rather discuss key issues such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is still considering if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some participants believe the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet most delegates remained discouraged as they departed of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was expressed by an individual participant, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a entire container.”