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When the concept of a fresh progressive party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by arguments – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and funding model – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would signal a new beginning.

Concerning First Day

Many of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the direction of the incumbent leadership and looking for a political home as they worry about the rise of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

However when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a short distance from the location.

Leadership Disagreement

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this approach.

However, 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 currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, however, state she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and group leaders whom she believes are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Tensions came to a head around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – notably the the SWP. Her representative described this as a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the election authority – were incensed, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “distraction”. They think allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by internal disputes when they would have preferred to discuss important topics such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some members believe the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the official title and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still wish for unity.

Yet many participants remained despondent as they made their way of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the atmosphere of the day was captured by an individual attendee, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a bottle.”