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As the notion of a new progressive party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number registered their intent in participating.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by disputes – its leaders clashed fiercely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would herald a fresh start.

Troubling Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are former Labour members, disappointed by the agenda of the incumbent leadership and searching for a political home as they are concerned by the growing influence of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the famous musical siblings, saying: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a short distance from the location.

Structure Conflict

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he supported 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.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being decided by lay members – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, however, suggest she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about various associates and group leaders whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

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

Boycott and Factionalism

Tensions escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson labeled this a “targeted purge”, adding: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the Electoral Commission – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the new party.

On the status of the SWP, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Participants

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by internal disputes when they would have wanted to focus on crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, 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 fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the official title and governance model – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still wish for unity.

But most delegates remained despondent as they departed of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was summed up by one attendee, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a bottle.”