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When the concept of a recent progressive party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in becoming members.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would signal a new beginning.

Troubling First Day

Many of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the policies of the present administration and searching for a political home as they fear the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the conference site.

Structure Conflict

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this approach.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and group leaders whom she believes are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Conflict reached a peak around midday when it became known Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – particularly the the political group. Her spokesperson described this as a “targeted purge”, stating: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the regulatory body – were furious, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one associate said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by internal disputes when they would have rather address crucial matters such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is still considering if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some members believe the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still desire cohesion.

Yet most delegates remained discouraged as they made their way of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was captured by one delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a entire container.”