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At the idea of a recent progressive party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in joining.

Although it was quickly beset by disputes – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would signal a new beginning.

Troubling First Day

Many of the attendees are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the direction of the incumbent leadership and seeking a political home as they fear the growing influence of the rival party.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the partnership to the famous musical siblings, saying: “I want to announce the show is back on the road.”

However when the entrances to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously not present. 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 Conflict

It became evident there was significant disagreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a conventional single-leader system, with one person elected to take charge, and indicated he’d be likely to run if members chose this system.

However, in an conversation, Sultana said she was advocating for a group decision-making process, with key decisions being taken by rank-and-file supporters – those not currently acting as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “sole personalities”. She did, however, indicate she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Negative Atmosphere

Although Sultana insisted she and the former Labour leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members are enabled” – she was highly critical about some of his allies and party administrators whom she feels are undermining her. She refused to provide names, but it is understood that interactions between her followers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The elected representative – who defected from Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Strains reached a peak around midday when it emerged Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in support for would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other progressive movements – particularly the the SWP. Her aide described this as a “witch-hunt”, adding: “It is essential to create a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the SWP was registered with the regulatory body – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted trying to create a “sideshow”. They think accepting overlapping memberships would cause disruption and heighten group conflicts which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Concerning the standing of the SWP, 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.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s activities became dominated by factionalism when they would have wanted to address key issues such as the financial challenges and migration policy, as well as planning for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or support independent socialists and some participants think the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an replacement for Labour.

Expectation for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the event can be rescued on Sunday, when the outcomes of key votes – such as the party’s permanent name and leadership structure – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has reassured those who still hope for unity.

But the majority of attendees remained despondent as they shuffled out of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the atmosphere of the day was summed up by an individual delegate, who said: “My generous drink is becoming a entire container.”