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When the concept of a new progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals expressed an interest in joining.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by arguments – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a renewed effort.

Disappointing First Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are former Labour members, unhappy about the direction of the incumbent leadership and searching for a new party as they worry about the growing influence of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

But when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. 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 Conflict

The situation revealed there was no unified position 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 chose this option.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with crucial policies being taken by ordinary participants – those not already serving as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, however, indicate she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the ex-party head 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 scathing about various associates and party administrators whom she thinks are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Factionalism

Strains escalated significantly around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson labeled this a “political persecution”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the election authority – were incensed, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the new party.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't registered with the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Participants

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s events became dominated by group conflicts when they would have preferred to focus on key issues such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is still considering if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some supporters feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice 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 important ballots – such as the official title and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still hope for unity.

However most delegates remained discouraged as they departed of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was captured by an individual attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a entire container.”