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At the idea of a fresh progressive party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals expressed an interest in joining.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its early governance and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a fresh start.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the participants are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the direction of the current government and searching for a ideological base as they fear the rise of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the well-known duo, saying: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the conference site.

Leadership Conflict

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 sole leader elected to take charge, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this option.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about various associates and group leaders whom she believes are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Factionalism

Strains came to a head around midday when it emerged Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her aide labeled this a “targeted purge”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the election authority – were angry, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “distraction”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the regulatory body but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings turned into factionalism when they would have preferred to discuss key issues such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

The group is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some members think the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the official title and organizational system – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still desire unity.

However the majority of attendees remained despondent as they departed of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was captured by a single delegate, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a full bottle.”