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At the idea of a recent progressive party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in joining.

Despite being quickly beset by arguments – its founders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's first major event would represent a fresh start.

Concerning First Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the direction of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

However when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a brief walk from the location.

Governance Conflict

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this option.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with important choices being decided by ordinary participants – those not already serving as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, however, state she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about various associates and party administrators whom she feels are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Conflict escalated significantly around midday when it became known Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – especially the the SWP. Her spokesperson called this a “targeted purge”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the Electoral Commission – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the new party.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “It might not be registered with the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Participants

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings turned into group conflicts when they would have rather focus on important topics such as the financial challenges and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members feel the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still hope for agreement.

Yet the majority of attendees 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 captured by one attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a bottle.”