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When the concept of a fresh progressive party spearheaded by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was first mooted in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Even though it became quickly beset by disputes – its co-founders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a new beginning.

Disappointing First Day

A significant portion of the participants are ex-supporters of Labour, disappointed by the policies of the incumbent leadership and searching for a ideological base as they worry about the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

When arrangements for the party's first official gathering were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Speaking at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

However when the doors to the conference centre in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was conspicuously absent. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a cafe about a mile from the conference site.

Governance Division

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn told journalists he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader voted into power, and implied he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this system.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a collective leadership structure, with key decisions being taken by lay members – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nevertheless, suggest she would be willing to stand against Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they hoped the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members are enabled” – 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 believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are notably strained.

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

Protest and Group Conflicts

Strains escalated significantly around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would avoid the first day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other socialist organizations – notably the the SWP. Her spokesperson described this as a “political persecution”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the election authority – were angry, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is clearly an organization. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Participants

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s activities descended into internal disputes when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the economic pressures and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

The new organization is has not determined if it will run its own nominees or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters feel the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

The result is unclear if proceedings can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of important ballots – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has comforted those who still wish for agreement.

However the majority of attendees remained despondent as they departed of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was summed up by an individual participant, who said: “My generous drink is turning into a bottle.”