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When the concept 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 a vast number showed enthusiasm in participating.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and funding model – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would signal a new beginning.

Disappointing First Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the policies of the incumbent leadership and looking for a new party as they are concerned by the rise of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a short distance from the conference site.

Leadership Division

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and implied he’d be likely to run if members selected this system.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with important choices being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about various associates and Your Party officials whom she believes are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Factionalism

Strains escalated significantly around midday when it became known Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her aide labeled this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the regulatory body – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by internal disputes when they would have preferred to focus on key issues such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some members believe the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the official title and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still hope for cohesion.

But many participants remained disheartened as they made their way of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was expressed by a single delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a bottle.”