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When the concept of a fresh progressive party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in joining.

Despite being quickly beset by disputes – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and funding model – many expected this weekend's first major event would signal a renewed effort.

Disappointing First Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the direction of the incumbent leadership and seeking a new party as they worry about the growing influence of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the famous musical siblings, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

Yet when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a brief walk from the conference site.

Governance Division

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members selected this option.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being decided by lay members – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, however, state she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and party administrators whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

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

Boycott and Factionalism

Tensions reached a peak around midday when it became known Sultana would boycott the opening day of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – especially the the political group. Her spokesperson described this as a “targeted purge”, stating: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the Electoral Commission – were angry, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Although it isn't registered with the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The clue is in the name.”

Concern Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s events became dominated by internal disputes when they would have preferred to discuss crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some members feel the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still hope for unity.

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 mood of the day was expressed by one delegate, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a entire container.”