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When the concept of a fresh progressive party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in participating.

Despite being quickly beset by disputes – its founders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and funding model – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a fresh start.

Troubling Opening Day

Many of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the agenda of the incumbent leadership and seeking a political home as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

But when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a brief walk from the conference site.

Structure Disagreement

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual voted into power, and implied he’d be likely to run if members chose this option.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being decided by lay members – those not currently acting as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and group leaders whom she thinks are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions reached a peak around midday when it became known Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her representative labeled this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the regulatory body – were furious, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

On the status of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the election authority but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s activities turned into factionalism when they would have rather discuss crucial matters such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

The group is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some participants think the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the official title and governance model – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still desire cohesion.

However many participants remained despondent as they made their way of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was captured by a single participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a full bottle.”