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As the notion of a new progressive party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals expressed an interest in joining.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and funding model – many expected this weekend's first major event would herald a renewed effort.

Troubling Opening Day

A significant portion of the participants are former Labour members, disappointed by the policies of the present administration and seeking a new party as they fear the growing influence of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's launch event were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Appearing at a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the pair to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I want to announce the party is active again.”

Yet when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a mile from the conference site.

Structure Division

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he supported a established hierarchical structure, with one person elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members chose this option.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being made by lay members – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was scathing about certain supporters and party administrators whom she believes are briefing against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among others in Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “intentional disruption”.

Protest and Factionalism

Conflict reached a peak around midday when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson called this a “political persecution”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the regulatory body – were angry, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

Regarding the position of the the political group, one Corbyn ally said: “Although it isn't registered with the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s activities descended into factionalism when they would have wanted to focus on important topics such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters think the party will have fallen short if it is not available as a choice as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Sunday

It remains to be seen if proceedings can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the official title and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still wish for unity.

But the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they made their way of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was summed up by a single participant, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a entire container.”