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At the idea of a fresh progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals expressed an interest in participating.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its leaders rowed bitterly over its early governance and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would herald a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

A significant portion of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the direction of the incumbent leadership and searching for a political home as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the well-known duo, remarking: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

But when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a short distance from the conference site.

Leadership Disagreement

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with one person elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this system.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being taken by lay members – those not currently acting as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, however, state she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she thinks are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Factionalism

Strains came to a head around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her representative labeled this a “witch-hunt”, 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 listed by the election authority – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Participants

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by group conflicts when they would have wanted to discuss key issues such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some supporters feel the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The result is unclear if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still desire cohesion.

However the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they made their way of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was captured by one participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a entire container.”