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When the concept of a new progressive party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number registered their intent in participating.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and financial approach – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a fresh start.

Troubling Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the direction of the current government and looking for a political home as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

However when the doors to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a short distance from the location.

Structure Division

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader voted into power, and implied he’d be likely to run if members voted for this approach.

But, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with crucial policies 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 managed by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and group leaders whom she thinks are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is believed 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 “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Tensions reached a peak around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – particularly the the political group. Her spokesperson described this as a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be registered with the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s activities turned into factionalism when they would have preferred to focus on key issues such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants believe the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still wish for unity.

Yet the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was summed up by one delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a entire container.”