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When the concept of a fresh progressive party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number registered their intent in participating.

Although it was quickly beset by internal conflicts – its leaders rowed bitterly over its early governance and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would herald a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the participants are former Labour members, unhappy about the policies of the current government and looking for a ideological base as they worry about the rise of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a mile from the location.

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be likely to run if members selected this option.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with key decisions being decided by ordinary participants – those not presently working as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, however, state she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about some of his allies and group leaders whom she believes are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that relations between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Conflict came to a head around midday when it became known Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – especially the the SWP. Her representative called this a “political persecution”, stating: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “distraction”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the SWP, 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.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s events became dominated by group conflicts when they would have rather focus on crucial matters such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members believe the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be announced. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion.

However most delegates remained disheartened as they made their way of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by a single delegate, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a bottle.”