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At the idea of a fresh progressive party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals expressed an interest in becoming members.

Even though it became quickly beset by arguments – its co-founders rowed bitterly over its early governance and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a renewed effort.

Troubling First Day

A significant portion of the participants are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the agenda of the present administration and looking for a ideological base as they are concerned by the rise of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the pair to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

However when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a mile from the conference site.

Governance Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this system.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with important choices being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and party administrators whom she believes are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is known that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Factionalism

Tensions came to a head around midday when it became known Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – notably the the political group. Her representative labeled this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the regulatory body – were incensed, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They think permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the new party.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings turned into group conflicts when they would have rather address crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some supporters think the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for unity.

However the majority of attendees remained despondent as they shuffled out of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was summed up by one attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a bottle.”