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As the notion of a recent progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that countless individuals expressed an interest in becoming members.

Despite being quickly beset by disputes – its founders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and financial approach – many expected this weekend's first major event would represent a new beginning.

Troubling First Day

Many of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, dissatisfied with the policies of the incumbent leadership and seeking a political home as they fear the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the partnership to the well-known duo, remarking: “Let me assure you the show is back on the road.”

But when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the conference site.

Structure Conflict

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with one person voted into power, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members chose this system.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with key decisions being decided by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be prepared to run against Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Negative Atmosphere

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members are enabled” – she was scathing about certain supporters and Your Party officials whom she feels are briefing against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – added that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had led to “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Conflict came to a head around the afternoon when it became known Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – especially the the SWP. Her spokesperson called this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “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 listed by the Electoral Commission – were angry, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They believe allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

On the status of the the political group, one associate said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Concern Among Attendees

A significant number of participants were frustrated that Saturday’s events turned into group conflicts when they would have preferred to address crucial matters such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants believe the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The result is unclear if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the party’s permanent name and governance model – will be declared. Sultana is scheduled to participate and speak to the crowd, which has reassured those who still hope for agreement.

But many participants remained despondent as they shuffled out of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was captured by one delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a bottle.”