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When the concept of a new progressive party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands registered their intent in becoming members.

Despite being almost immediately plagued by internal conflicts – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would herald a renewed effort.

Concerning First Day

Many of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the policies of the current government and seeking a ideological base as they worry about the increasing popularity of the rival party.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the Gallagher brothers, remarking: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

Yet when the doors to the meeting hall in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a short distance from the conference site.

Structure Disagreement

The situation revealed there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he supported a traditional leadership model, with one person voted into power, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members voted for this system.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with crucial policies being taken by ordinary participants – those not presently working as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, state she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a election for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and group leaders whom she thinks are briefing against her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The elected representative – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions escalated significantly around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson labeled this a “political persecution”, stating: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the election authority – were furious, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They feel accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

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

Frustration Among Participants

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s activities turned into factionalism when they would have rather discuss crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and border controls, as well as preparing for next year’s regional polls.

The group is still considering if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants feel the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an alternative to Labour.

Hope for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the decisions of key votes – such as the official title and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still wish for agreement.

But the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they departed of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was captured by a single participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a full bottle.”