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As the notion of a fresh progressive party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in joining.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its leaders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would signal a renewed effort.

Disappointing First Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the direction of the incumbent leadership and looking for a new party as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

However when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the venue.

Leadership Division

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader voted into power, and indicated he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this system.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “sole personalities”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a single leader.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about some of his allies and group leaders whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Strains escalated significantly around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – notably the the SWP. Her representative called this a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the regulatory body – were incensed, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and increase the factionalism 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 clue is in the name.”

Frustration Among Participants

Numerous attendees were annoyed that Saturday’s events became dominated by internal disputes when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or support independent socialists and some participants believe the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

The result is unclear if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the outcomes of crucial polls – such as the official title and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana is scheduled to participate and give a speech, which has reassured those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they departed of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was summed up by one delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a bottle.”