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At the idea of a new progressive party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number expressed an interest in becoming members.

Although it was quickly beset by arguments – its founders clashed fiercely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a fresh start.

Troubling Opening Day

Many of the attendees are former Labour members, unhappy about the direction of the present administration and looking for a political home as they fear the rise of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the well-known duo, stating: “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 conspicuously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a brief walk from the conference site.

Leadership Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual voted into power, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members selected this option.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being decided by lay members – those not already serving as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and party administrators whom she feels are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Strains came to a head around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other leftwing groups – particularly the the SWP. Her representative called this a “political persecution”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Many delegates were frustrated that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by internal disputes when they would have rather discuss crucial matters such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some supporters feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Day Two

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of important ballots – such as the final designation and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion.

But most delegates remained disheartened as they made their way of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was summed up by an individual participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a bottle.”