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

Although it was almost immediately plagued by disputes – its leaders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and funding model – many expected this weekend's first major event would signal a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

A significant portion of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the policies of the current government and seeking a new party as they are concerned by the rise of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to buried the hatchet. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a brief walk from the location.

Governance Division

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members voted for this system.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with important choices being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as political representatives. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she feels are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Tensions reached a peak around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – especially the the SWP. Her spokesperson called this a “targeted purge”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the Electoral Commission – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s activities turned into group conflicts when they would have rather address key issues such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is yet to decide 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 listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The result is unclear if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for agreement.

Yet the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was captured by one participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a entire container.”