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At the idea of a fresh progressive party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in participating.

Despite being rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its leaders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and financial approach – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a fresh start.

Troubling Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the policies of the present administration and searching for a new party as they fear the growing influence of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

Yet when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the location.

Leadership Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this option.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with crucial policies being decided by lay members – those not already serving as elected officials. She noted 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 election for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they hoped the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Factionalism

Conflict came to a head around midday when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the the SWP. Her representative described this as a “political persecution”, stating: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the election authority – were angry, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They think allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the new party.

On the status of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Participants

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into internal disputes when they would have wanted to focus on key issues such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The group is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some supporters believe the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

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

However many participants remained discouraged as they made their way of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was summed up by one attendee, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a entire container.”