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At the idea of a new progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in joining.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its founding structure and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's first major event would represent a fresh start.

Concerning First Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are former Labour members, disappointed by the agenda of the current government and seeking a political home as they worry about the rise of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Participating in a leftwing festival in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

But when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the venue.

Structure Division

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he favoured a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be likely to run if members voted for this approach.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with important choices being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, indicate she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Despite Sultana claiming she and the previous leader were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was highly critical about certain supporters and party administrators whom she believes are working against her. She refused to provide names, but it is known that the relationship between her backers and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are particularly fraught.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had led to “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Protest and Internal Divisions

Tensions reached a peak around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would not attend the opening day of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to membership in other socialist organizations – particularly the the SWP. Her representative described this as a “political persecution”, stating: “We must build a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was officially recognized by the election authority – were furious, claiming Sultana was attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They believe permitting dual affiliations would lead to problems and heighten group conflicts which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “It might not be formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Participants

A significant number of participants were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings became dominated by factionalism when they would have wanted to focus on key issues such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some participants believe the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Optimism for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the decisions of crucial polls – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still hope for agreement.

But most delegates remained despondent as they shuffled out of the event venue into a damp night in the city on Saturday. It's possible the mood of the day was captured by one delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is turning into a full bottle.”