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When the concept of a fresh progressive party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in joining.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by disputes – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and funding model – many hoped this weekend's first major event would represent a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the policies of the present administration and looking for a political home as they are concerned by the growing influence of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

But when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a short distance from the conference site.

Structure Disagreement

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with one person chosen to lead, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this option.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with important choices being made by lay members – those not presently working as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, however, indicate she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about various associates and Your Party officials whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that relations between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Tensions reached a peak around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – particularly the the political group. Her spokesperson described this as a “political persecution”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the regulatory body – were furious, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not registered with the regulatory body but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s events descended into internal disputes when they would have rather focus on crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members think the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still hope for unity.

But most delegates remained despondent as they departed of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was expressed by an individual attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a full bottle.”