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As the notion of a recent progressive party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in becoming members.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by disputes – its leaders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would signal a fresh start.

Disappointing Opening Day

A significant portion of the participants are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the policies of the current government and searching for a ideological base as they worry about the growing influence of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a brief walk from the conference site.

Structure Division

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader voted into power, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members chose this approach.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being made by ordinary participants – those not presently working as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and party administrators whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

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

Boycott and Factionalism

Conflict escalated significantly around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – especially the the SWP. Her aide described this as a “targeted purge”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is clearly an organization. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Participants

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s activities descended into group conflicts when they would have wanted to focus on key issues such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is still considering if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members think the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The result is unclear if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still desire cohesion.

However most delegates remained discouraged as they departed of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was captured by an individual delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a full bottle.”