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At the idea of a recent progressive party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals expressed an interest in joining.

Although it was almost immediately plagued by arguments – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would herald a renewed effort.

Troubling First Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the direction of the present administration and searching for a new party as they worry about the increasing popularity of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

But when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a short distance from the venue.

Leadership Division

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual voted into power, and indicated he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this approach.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with crucial policies being decided by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, however, suggest she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about various associates and Your Party officials whom she believes are undermining her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Strains reached a peak around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – notably the the political group. Her representative described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the election authority – were angry, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “distraction”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the fledgling movement.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't registered with the regulatory body but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Participants

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s events descended into factionalism when they would have preferred to focus on crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some members believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The result is unclear if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still hope for cohesion.

However most delegates remained despondent as they departed of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by a single delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a bottle.”