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When the concept of a recent progressive party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals registered their intent in joining.

Although it was quickly beset by disputes – its leaders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and funding model – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would herald a renewed effort.

Troubling First Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the direction of the present administration and looking for a new party as they fear the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

However when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a cafe about a brief walk from the venue.

Leadership Division

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with one person voted into power, and implied he’d be likely to run if members voted for this approach.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with important choices being decided by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as political representatives. She noted that she did not think parties should be managed by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be prepared to run opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted 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 are enabled” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and group leaders whom she thinks are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is believed that the relationship between her supporters and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who left Labour in July – added that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Internal Divisions

Strains came to a head around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – especially the the SWP. Her spokesperson labeled this a “political persecution”, stating: “We need to establish a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was listed by the Electoral Commission – were angry, accusing Sultana of attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Participants

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s activities descended into internal disputes when they would have rather discuss key issues such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some members feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still desire agreement.

Yet the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they made their way of the event venue into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was summed up by a single delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is becoming a entire container.”