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At the idea of a recent progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals registered their intent in participating.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and financial approach – many expected this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a fresh start.

Disappointing Opening Day

A significant portion of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the policies of the present administration and looking for a ideological base as they fear the growing influence of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the well-known duo, remarking: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a mile from the venue.

Governance Division

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a traditional leadership model, with a single individual voted into power, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this system.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with key decisions being decided by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about various associates and Your Party officials whom she believes are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Tensions escalated significantly around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – especially the the political group. Her aide called this a “political persecution”, adding: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was officially recognized by the election authority – were furious, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “distraction”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't registered with the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Delegates

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s events turned into group conflicts when they would have preferred to focus on crucial matters such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members think the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Day Two

The result is unclear if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still desire agreement.

However most delegates remained despondent as they shuffled out of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by an individual participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a bottle.”