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At the idea of a recent progressive party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and financial approach – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a renewed effort.

Disappointing Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the agenda of the incumbent leadership and seeking a ideological base as they worry about the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

Yet when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a brief walk from the conference site.

Structure Division

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a traditional leadership model, with one person chosen to lead, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this approach.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with key decisions being taken by lay members – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, however, suggest she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about certain supporters and group leaders whom she believes are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is known that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Conflict reached a peak around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – particularly the the political group. Her aide described this as a “targeted purge”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Participants

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s activities turned into internal disputes when they would have preferred to discuss key issues such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants think the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still desire unity.

However most delegates remained discouraged as they departed of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was captured by one attendee, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a bottle.”