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At the idea of a fresh progressive party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals registered their intent in participating.

Even though it became quickly beset by arguments – its leaders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a fresh start.

Concerning First Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, unhappy about the policies of the current government and seeking a political home as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the well-known duo, saying: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

However when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a brief walk from the conference site.

Leadership Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a traditional leadership model, with a single individual voted into power, and implied he’d be likely to run if members chose this system.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with crucial policies being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and Your Party officials whom she feels are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Conflict reached a peak around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – especially the the SWP. Her spokesperson labeled this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the Electoral Commission – were incensed, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “distraction”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't registered with the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s events turned into factionalism when they would have preferred to focus on important topics such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some supporters believe the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the final designation and governance model – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still wish for unity.

But the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they made their way of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by one participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a entire container.”