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At the idea of a fresh progressive party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would herald a fresh start.

Concerning First Day

A significant portion of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the policies of the incumbent leadership and searching for a new party as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

However when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a short distance from the conference site.

Leadership Disagreement

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with one person elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members selected this approach.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with crucial policies being made by lay members – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about various associates and group leaders whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Tensions reached a peak around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – especially the the political group. Her representative labeled this a “political persecution”, adding: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the election authority – were angry, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't registered with the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by internal disputes when they would have wanted to focus on important topics such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some supporters think the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The result is unclear if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the final designation and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still desire unity.

Yet many participants remained despondent as they made their way of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was captured by one participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a bottle.”