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As the notion of a new progressive party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number showed enthusiasm in participating.

Despite being quickly beset by internal conflicts – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would represent a fresh start.

Disappointing Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are former Labour members, unhappy about the policies of the incumbent leadership and looking for a ideological base as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the well-known duo, stating: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

However when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a mile from the venue.

Leadership Conflict

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this approach.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with important choices being made by ordinary participants – those not already serving as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about various associates and group leaders whom she feels are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Conflict reached a peak around midday when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her representative labeled this a “political persecution”, stating: “We must build 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 regulatory body – were furious, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the new party.

On the status of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Participants

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s events turned into group conflicts when they would have wanted to discuss key issues such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is still considering if it will run its own nominees 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 replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has comforted those who still hope for agreement.

But many participants remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was summed up by a single attendee, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a bottle.”