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At the idea of a recent 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 joining.

Despite being quickly beset by arguments – its leaders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a new beginning.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the attendees are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the agenda of the present administration and seeking a political home as they fear the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

But when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the venue.

Leadership Disagreement

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with one person chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this system.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being decided by ordinary participants – those not already serving as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, however, suggest she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about certain supporters and party administrators whom she thinks are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Tensions escalated significantly around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – especially the the political group. Her aide labeled this a “targeted purge”, adding: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the election authority – were angry, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “distraction”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

On the status of the the political group, one associate said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Participants

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s activities became dominated by internal disputes when they would have rather focus on important topics such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is still considering if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some members believe the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The result is unclear if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still wish for cohesion.

However most delegates remained disheartened as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was summed up by one attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a bottle.”