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At the idea of a fresh progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number expressed an interest in becoming members.

Although it was quickly beset by disputes – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's first major event would signal a new beginning.

Disappointing First Day

Many of the participants are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the policies of the present administration and looking for a ideological base as they fear the rise of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

But when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a short distance from the conference site.

Structure Disagreement

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader voted into power, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this system.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with crucial policies being taken by lay members – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about various associates and group leaders whom she thinks are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is known that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Tensions escalated significantly around midday when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – particularly the the SWP. Her representative called this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the election authority – were incensed, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be registered with the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s events descended into internal disputes when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is still considering if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some supporters believe the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still desire unity.

But most delegates remained despondent as they departed of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was expressed by one delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a entire container.”