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When the concept of a recent progressive party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in participating.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would signal a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, disappointed by the agenda of the incumbent leadership and searching for a new party as they worry about the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's launch event were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

However when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a mile from the location.

Structure Division

It was clear there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this option.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a shared governance model, with important choices being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, however, suggest she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she thinks are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that the relationship between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Strains escalated significantly around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – especially the the political group. Her aide labeled this a “political persecution”, adding: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the regulatory body – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “distraction”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

On the status of the SWP, one associate said: “Although it isn't registered with the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s events became dominated by factionalism when they would have rather focus on key issues such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some supporters feel the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Day Two

The result is unclear if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of important ballots – such as the party’s permanent name and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still hope for unity.

Yet most delegates remained discouraged as they departed of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was expressed by one participant, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a full bottle.”