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When the concept of a new progressive party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that a vast number registered their intent in becoming members.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would represent a new beginning.

Concerning Opening Day

Many of the attendees are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the policies of the current government and looking for a political home as they are concerned by the rise of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

However when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a short distance from the location.

Governance Division

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he supported a conventional single-leader system, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this system.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with important choices being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as political representatives. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “single leaders”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be ready to compete in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about various associates and party administrators whom she thinks are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

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

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Tensions came to a head around lunchtime when it emerged Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in support for potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – particularly the the political group. Her representative called this a “political persecution”, stating: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was officially recognized by the Electoral Commission – were furious, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

On the status of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Participants

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s events turned into group conflicts when they would have preferred to address crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is still considering if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some supporters feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The result is unclear if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has reassured those who still desire cohesion.

However most delegates remained despondent as they departed of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was summed up by one participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a full bottle.”