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At the idea of a recent progressive party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in joining.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would represent a fresh start.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the participants are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the agenda of the current government and seeking a political home as they are concerned by the rise of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a mile from the conference site.

Governance Conflict

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he supported a conventional single-leader system, with one person elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this approach.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being taken by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about various associates and group leaders whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – 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 “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Tensions reached a peak around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson described this as a “political persecution”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the Electoral Commission – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “sideshow”. They think allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one associate said: “It might not be formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Participants

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s events descended into internal disputes when they would have rather discuss important topics such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members think the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still wish for agreement.

But the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they departed of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was captured by an individual participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a bottle.”