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At the idea of a new progressive party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals expressed an interest in participating.

Even though it became quickly beset by arguments – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

Many of the attendees are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the policies of the incumbent leadership and looking for a political home as they worry about the rise of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

However when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the venue.

Leadership Disagreement

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual elected to take charge, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this option.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being decided by lay members – those not presently working as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about various associates and party administrators whom she thinks are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

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

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Tensions reached a peak around midday when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – especially the the political group. Her representative labeled this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the election authority – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “secondary event”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one associate said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into factionalism when they would have rather focus on crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants feel the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still hope for agreement.

But many participants remained despondent as they made their way of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by one participant, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a full bottle.”