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When the concept of a new progressive party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in participating.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by arguments – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its early governance and funding model – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would herald a renewed effort.

Troubling First Day

A significant portion of the participants are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the agenda of the current government and searching for a new party as they worry about the increasing popularity of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

But when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a short distance from the venue.

Leadership Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he supported a conventional single-leader system, with one person elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members selected this option.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, however, state she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader 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 scathing about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she thinks are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is known that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions escalated significantly around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – notably the the SWP. Her spokesperson called this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were angry, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one associate said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Attendees

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings turned into group conflicts when they would have wanted to discuss key issues such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

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

Hope for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still wish for cohesion.

But most delegates remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by an individual attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a entire container.”