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As the notion of a recent progressive party led by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by disputes – its founders rowed bitterly over its founding structure and financial approach – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would signal a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the attendees are former Labour members, unhappy about the policies of the present administration and seeking a new party as they fear the increasing popularity of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's inaugural conference were completed, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

But when the entrances to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a coffee shop about a short distance from the location.

Leadership Division

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual elected to take charge, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this system.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a collective leadership structure, with important choices being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She noted that she did not think parties should be controlled by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about certain supporters and group leaders whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that relations between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The Coventry South MP – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Group Conflicts

Conflict reached a peak around midday when it emerged Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other progressive movements – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her representative called this a “political persecution”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the Electoral Commission – were incensed, alleging Sultana had attempted seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be officially listed by the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

A significant number of participants were annoyed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by factionalism when they would have rather discuss important topics such as the cost of living crisis and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents 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 Sunday

The result is unclear if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still wish for cohesion.

But most delegates remained despondent as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was summed up by one attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a full bottle.”