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When the concept of a fresh progressive party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals registered their intent in joining.

Even though it became quickly beset by disputes – its founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and financial approach – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a new beginning.

Disappointing First Day

A significant portion of the participants are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the agenda of the present administration and looking for a ideological base as they worry about the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, 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, saying: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

However when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a mile from the conference site.

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this system.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with key decisions being made by lay members – those not currently acting as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about various associates and Your Party officials whom she believes are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Tensions reached a peak around midday when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her aide described this as a “political persecution”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the regulatory body – were furious, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “It might not be formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by internal disputes when they would have preferred to address crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

The group is still considering if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some members think the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the official title and governance model – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet many participants remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by one attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a bottle.”