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As the notion of a recent progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in participating.

Although it was quickly beset by internal conflicts – its founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and funding model – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the attendees are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the direction of the incumbent leadership and looking for a political home as they fear the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the well-known duo, remarking: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

But when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a short distance from the venue.

Leadership Division

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a traditional leadership model, with one person elected to take charge, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this option.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she thinks are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions came to a head around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – particularly the the SWP. Her representative labeled this a “political persecution”, adding: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the election authority – were incensed, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't registered with the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Participants

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s events descended into group conflicts when they would have wanted to focus on crucial matters such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is still considering if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some participants think the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the official title and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still wish for agreement.

However many participants remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was expressed by one attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a entire container.”