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As the notion of a recent progressive party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in joining.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and funding model – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the policies of the incumbent leadership and looking for a political home as they are concerned by the rise of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the well-known duo, saying: “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 conspicuously not present. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a mile from the location.

Leadership Division

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a traditional leadership model, with a single individual voted into power, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this system.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with key decisions being taken by ordinary participants – those not presently working as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and party administrators whom she feels are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among certain members of Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Strains escalated significantly around the afternoon when it was revealed 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 leftwing groups – notably the the political group. Her spokesperson called this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the Electoral Commission – were angry, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “distraction”. They think permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one associate said: “Even if it is not registered with the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s activities turned into group conflicts when they would have wanted to address crucial matters such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is still considering if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some members feel the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an replacement for 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 final designation and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still hope for unity.

Yet most delegates remained despondent as they departed of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was captured by a single attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a full bottle.”