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As the notion of a new progressive party fronted by the former Labour leader and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it garnered immense interest that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in participating.

Even though it became rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its co-founders disagreed intensely over its early governance and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's first major event would represent a renewed effort.

Concerning Opening Day

Many of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the direction of the incumbent leadership and seeking a ideological base as they fear the rise of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Appearing at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the Gallagher brothers, saying: “Let me assure you the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was drinking a warm beverage in a coffee shop about a brief walk from the conference site.

Governance Disagreement

It became evident there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader chosen to lead, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this system.

In contrast, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with key decisions being made by ordinary participants – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a vote for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were getting on “really well” – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and party administrators whom she feels are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is believed that relations between her followers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “toxic culture” among others in Your Party, which had led to “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Absence and Group Conflicts

Conflict reached a peak around midday when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other socialist organizations – notably the the political group. Her spokesperson labeled this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “It is essential to create a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the regulatory body – were incensed, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They think permitting dual affiliations would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already looks to have hindered the emerging organization.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the Electoral Commission but it is nonetheless a political group. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Delegates

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s activities turned into group conflicts when they would have wanted to focus on important topics such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as planning for next year’s local elections.

The new organization is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or back socialist independents and some members feel the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Hope for Sunday

The result is unclear if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the results 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.

However the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they made their way of the event venue into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Perhaps the mood of the day was expressed by a single delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is transforming into a full bottle.”