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When the concept of a recent progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number expressed an interest in participating.

Although it was quickly beset by internal conflicts – its founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would signal a renewed effort.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the participants are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the agenda of the incumbent leadership and searching for a ideological base as they worry about the growing influence of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the famous musical siblings, saying: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the location.

Leadership Division

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he supported a established hierarchical structure, with one person elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this system.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with crucial policies being taken by lay members – those not currently acting as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about certain supporters and party administrators whom she believes are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is known that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

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

Protest and Factionalism

Strains escalated significantly around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – especially the the political group. Her aide called this a “targeted purge”, adding: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the election authority – were incensed, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They think allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the new party.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one associate said: “It might not be registered with the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings descended into internal disputes when they would have preferred to discuss crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters feel the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has comforted those who still hope for cohesion.

But the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they made their way of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was expressed by a single participant, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a bottle.”