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When the concept of a new progressive party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in participating.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a fresh start.

Troubling First Day

Many of the participants are former Labour members, disappointed by the direction of the current government and searching for a new party as they worry about the rise of the rival party.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the famous musical siblings, stating: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a mile from the venue.

Governance Division

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this option.

But, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being made by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and group leaders whom she feels are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Factionalism

Strains reached a peak around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – particularly the the SWP. Her aide called this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the regulatory body – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “sideshow”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

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

Concern Among Participants

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s events turned into group conflicts when they would have wanted to discuss key issues 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 participants think the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The result is unclear if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has encouraged those who still hope for agreement.

But most delegates remained discouraged as they departed of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was expressed by one attendee, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a bottle.”