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When the concept of a new progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that a vast number showed enthusiasm in joining.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by arguments – its founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's first major event would represent a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the policies of the incumbent leadership and searching for a new party as they worry about the rise of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have buried the hatchet. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the well-known duo, stating: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a mile from the conference site.

Structure Disagreement

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this option.

In contrast, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with important choices being decided by lay members – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they wanted the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about various associates and Your Party officials whom she feels are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The politician – who defected from Labour in July – added that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Factionalism

Conflict escalated significantly around midday when it emerged Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson called this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the regulatory body – were incensed, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be registered with the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Frustration Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into internal disputes when they would have preferred to discuss key issues such as the financial challenges and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters believe the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for unity.

Yet most delegates remained discouraged as they made their way of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was captured by an individual attendee, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a full bottle.”