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At the idea of a recent progressive party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in participating.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by disputes – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a renewed effort.

Disappointing Opening Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, unhappy about the agenda of the incumbent leadership and seeking a new party as they fear the growing influence of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

But when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a short distance from the conference site.

Governance Disagreement

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person elected to take charge, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this system.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with key decisions being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, however, state she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and party administrators whom she feels are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is known that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Tensions came to a head around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her representative described this as a “witch-hunt”, adding: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the election authority – were angry, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “distraction”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be officially listed by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s activities descended into group conflicts when they would have preferred to discuss crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

The group is still considering if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some participants feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

But the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was expressed by an individual participant, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a bottle.”