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At the idea of a new progressive party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number expressed an interest in becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by disputes – its leaders rowed bitterly over its early governance and funding model – many expected this weekend's first major event would herald a new beginning.

Troubling First Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the agenda of the present administration and searching for a ideological base as they fear the rise of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

However when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a short distance from the location.

Structure Division

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this option.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with important choices being made by lay members – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about various associates and party administrators whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Factionalism

Strains reached a peak around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson called this a “political persecution”, stating: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the regulatory body – were angry, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They think allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into factionalism when they would have preferred to discuss important topics such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some participants feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The result is unclear if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still hope for unity.

But many participants remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was summed up by one participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a full bottle.”