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As the notion of a new progressive party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number showed enthusiasm in joining.

Despite being quickly beset by internal conflicts – its founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would signal a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are former Labour members, unhappy about the policies of the current government and looking for a new party as they are concerned by the growing influence of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a mile from the location.

Structure Conflict

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a traditional leadership model, with a single individual elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this option.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with important choices being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about certain supporters and group leaders whom she feels are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Conflict came to a head around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her aide described this as a “political persecution”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the Electoral Commission – were angry, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “It might not be formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into group conflicts when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants think the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The result is unclear if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still hope for cohesion.

But the majority of attendees remained despondent as they departed of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was summed up by one attendee, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a full bottle.”