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When the concept of a new progressive party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in becoming members.

Although it was quickly beset by internal conflicts – its leaders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would signal a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the direction of the present administration and searching for a ideological base as they worry about the rise of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the famous musical siblings, saying: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a short distance from the conference site.

Structure Division

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this option.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with important choices being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and group leaders whom she feels are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Tensions reached a peak around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the first 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 – notably the the SWP. Her aide called this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were furious, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be registered with the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s activities descended into group conflicts when they would have preferred to address crucial matters such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is still considering if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some members think the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Sunday

It remains to be seen if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still wish for cohesion.

But the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they made their way of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was summed up by a single participant, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a full bottle.”