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As the notion of a fresh progressive party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number registered their intent in participating.

Despite being quickly beset by internal conflicts – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and funding model – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a fresh start.

Troubling First Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, disappointed by the policies of the current government and seeking a new party as they are concerned by the growing influence of the rival party.

As plans for the party's launch event were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

However when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a mile from the venue.

Governance Disagreement

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with one person voted into power, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members chose this system.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with crucial policies being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, however, indicate she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was scathing about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she thinks are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Factionalism

Conflict came to a head around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – notably the the political group. Her spokesperson labeled this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the election authority – were angry, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “distraction”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not registered with the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Participants

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by group conflicts when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters think the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still hope for unity.

But the majority of attendees remained despondent as they made their way of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by a single attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a full bottle.”