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When the concept of a fresh progressive party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in joining.

Despite being quickly beset by internal conflicts – its founders rowed bitterly over its early governance and funding model – many anticipated this weekend's first major event would represent a fresh start.

Troubling Opening Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, dissatisfied with the direction of the current government and looking for a ideological base as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to made amends. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a mile from the venue.

Governance Division

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he supported a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members chose this approach.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with important choices being decided by ordinary participants – those not presently working as elected officials. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, however, suggest she would be ready to compete opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Toxic Culture

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about various associates and Your Party officials whom she feels are working against her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Tensions reached a peak around midday when it emerged Sultana would not attend the first day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – particularly the the political group. Her spokesperson called this a “political persecution”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the regulatory body – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “secondary event”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be formally recognized by the election authority but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Participants

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by group conflicts when they would have wanted to address key issues such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The group is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants feel the party will have fallen short if it is not on the ballot paper as an alternative to Labour.

Optimism for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the official title and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has encouraged those who still wish for agreement.

Yet the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they made their way of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was summed up by one delegate, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a entire container.”