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At the idea of a fresh progressive party spearheaded by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was first mooted in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands expressed an interest in joining.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its leaders clashed fiercely over its founding structure and financial approach – many hoped this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a fresh start.

Disappointing First Day

A sizeable chunk of the attendees are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the agenda of the incumbent leadership and searching for a new party as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the rival party.

As plans for the party's launch event were wrapped up, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to buried the hatchet. Participating in a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana jokingly compared the partnership to the famous musical siblings, stating: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

But when the entrances to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a short distance from the venue.

Governance Disagreement

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party needed to be structured. Corbyn informed the press he preferred a traditional leadership model, with a sole leader voted into power, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members chose this approach.

In contrast, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a group decision-making process, with crucial policies being decided by lay members – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be willing to stand opposing Corbyn if there was a contest for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, discussed how they desired the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was scathing about some of his allies and party administrators whom she believes are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is known that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – further stated that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among some within Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Tensions escalated significantly around the afternoon when it emerged Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in alliance with prospective attendees who had been refused access from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – notably the Socialist Workers party. Her representative called this a “witch-hunt”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the the group was listed by the regulatory body – were furious, alleging Sultana had attempted attempting to stage a “sideshow”. They think permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already seems to have hampered the emerging organization.

Concerning the standing of the the political group, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't officially listed by the election authority but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Disappointment Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s proceedings descended into factionalism when they would have preferred to address important topics such as the financial challenges and border controls, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some participants feel the party will have fallen short if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the conference can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the final designation and organizational system – will be revealed. Sultana plans to attend and speak to the crowd, which has comforted those who still hope for cohesion.

Yet the majority of attendees remained despondent as they departed of the conference hall into a rainy Liverpool night on Saturday. Maybe the atmosphere of the day was expressed by a single delegate, who said: “My large glass of wine is becoming a bottle.”