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At the idea of a fresh progressive party led 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 becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by disputes – its leaders clashed fiercely over its early governance and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a new beginning.

Disappointing First Day

A significant portion of the attendees are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the policies of the incumbent leadership and searching for a political home as they worry about the rise of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Speaking at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I’m here to tell you the show is back on the road.”

But when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a short distance from the conference site.

Leadership Conflict

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with one person voted into power, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members voted for this option.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being taken by lay members – those not currently acting as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a vote 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 wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about certain supporters and party administrators whom she believes are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that interactions between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Strains reached a peak around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson labeled this a “political persecution”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “distraction”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one associate said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Participants

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s activities became dominated by group conflicts when they would have preferred to address crucial matters such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some participants think the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Optimism for Sunday

The result is unclear if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still wish for cohesion.

But the majority of attendees remained despondent as they departed of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was captured by an individual delegate, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a bottle.”