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When the concept of a fresh progressive party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals registered their intent in joining.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders disagreed intensely over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would herald a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, disappointed by the agenda of the incumbent leadership and looking for a political home as they are concerned by the rise of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the well-known duo, stating: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

However when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a cafe about a brief walk from the venue.

Leadership Division

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a traditional leadership model, with a single individual chosen to lead, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this option.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with crucial policies being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about various associates and party administrators whom she thinks are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is understood that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Conflict came to a head around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her representative labeled this a “political persecution”, adding: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the regulatory body – were angry, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Although it isn't registered with the regulatory body but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s events turned into internal disputes when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some participants believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still wish for agreement.

However many participants remained discouraged as they made their way of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was expressed by a single participant, who said: “My generous drink is transforming into a full bottle.”