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When the concept of a fresh progressive party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was initially proposed in the summer, it attracted huge support that a vast number expressed an interest in joining.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by internal conflicts – its leaders disagreed intensely over its early governance and revenue strategy – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would herald a fresh start.

Troubling Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are ex-supporters of Labour, unhappy about the agenda of the current government and seeking a political home as they are concerned by the growing influence of the competing political group.

While preparations for the party's first official gathering were completed, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have made amends. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the duo to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

However when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was drinking a warm beverage in a restaurant about a brief walk from the conference site.

Structure Division

It became evident there was no unified position on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn informed the press he supported a conventional single-leader system, with a single individual chosen to lead, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this approach.

But, in an discussion, Sultana said she was supporting a collective leadership structure, with crucial policies being taken by ordinary participants – those not presently working as elected officials. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, however, indicate she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they hoped the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members feel empowered” – she was sharply negative about certain supporters and party administrators whom she feels are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that relations between her supporters and Corbyn’s previous top advisor Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The politician – who left Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “toxic culture” among some within Your Party, which had caused “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “acts of deliberate sabotage”.

Absence and Factionalism

Tensions reached a peak around lunchtime when it became known Sultana would not attend the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her aide labeled this a “targeted purge”, stating: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Supporters of Corbyn – who incorrectly claimed on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the regulatory body – were furious, claiming Sultana was trying to create a “distraction”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already looks to have hindered the new party.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “It might not be formally recognized by the regulatory body but it is nonetheless a political group. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Participants

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events became dominated by group conflicts when they would have rather focus on important topics such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

The new organization is still considering if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some participants think the party will have not succeeded if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

The outcome is uncertain if the conference can be rescued on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the final designation and governance model – will be announced. Sultana plans to attend and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still wish for unity.

However many participants remained despondent as they departed of the meeting space into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the sentiment of the day was expressed by a single attendee, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a full bottle.”