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As the notion of a recent progressive party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals registered their intent in participating.

Although it was quickly beset by internal conflicts – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and funding model – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would signal a renewed effort.

Disappointing First Day

Many of the participants are former Labour members, unhappy about the agenda of the incumbent leadership and searching for a ideological base as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's launch event were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

But when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a short distance from the conference site.

Governance Division

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this approach.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with important choices being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was scathing about some of his allies and group leaders whom she thinks are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is known that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Conflict escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – notably the the SWP. Her aide described this as a “targeted purge”, stating: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the election authority – were furious, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Participants

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s events became dominated by internal disputes when they would have wanted to address important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is still considering if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some members feel the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the official title and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still wish for unity.

But many participants 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 a single delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a entire container.”