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As the notion of a recent progressive party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in joining.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its leaders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and funding model – many expected this weekend's first major event would represent a new beginning.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, unhappy about the agenda of the current government and searching for a new party as they are concerned by the growing influence of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the well-known duo, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

But when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a mile from the venue.

Leadership Division

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a traditional leadership model, with one person chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this system.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with important choices being taken by lay members – those not already serving as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, however, state she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members are enabled” – she was scathing about some of his allies and party administrators whom she thinks are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that relations between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Tensions reached a peak around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her aide labeled this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the regulatory body – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Participants

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by internal disputes when they would have rather address key issues such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some supporters feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

The result is unclear if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

But the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they departed of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was captured by a single participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a bottle.”