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As the notion of a new progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in joining.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its leaders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would signal a new beginning.

Disappointing First Day

Many of the attendees are former Labour members, unhappy about the direction of the incumbent leadership and seeking a ideological base as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

But when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a short distance from the venue.

Structure Conflict

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a traditional leadership model, with a single individual elected to take charge, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this approach.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with important choices being decided by lay members – those not presently working as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was scathing about various associates and party administrators whom she feels are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Factionalism

Conflict came to a head around midday when it became known Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – particularly the the SWP. Her representative labeled this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the Electoral Commission – were furious, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

On the status of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not registered with the election authority but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Participants

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings turned into group conflicts when they would have preferred to discuss key issues such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

The group is still considering if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some participants believe the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

But most delegates remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was expressed by an individual participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a bottle.”