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As the notion of a fresh progressive party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in joining.

Even though it became quickly beset by internal conflicts – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its early governance and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a new beginning.

Concerning First Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the agenda of the current government and searching for a new party as they worry about the growing influence of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I want to announce 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 delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a mile from the conference site.

Structure Disagreement

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader voted into power, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this option.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with important choices being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, however, indicate she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about various associates and party administrators whom she thinks are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Conflict reached a peak around midday when it emerged Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – particularly the the political group. Her representative called this a “political persecution”, stating: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the election authority – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “sideshow”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one associate said: “It might not be officially listed by the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s events turned into internal disputes when they would have wanted to focus on crucial matters such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

The group is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The result is unclear if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for agreement.

Yet many participants remained disheartened as they made their way of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was summed up by one delegate, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a bottle.”