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At the idea of a recent progressive party fronted by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it attracted huge support that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in becoming members.

Although it was quickly beset by internal conflicts – its leaders clashed fiercely over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's inaugural conference would represent a new beginning.

Disappointing Opening Day

A significant portion of the attendees are former Labour members, unhappy about the agenda of the present administration and searching for a new party as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of the competing political group.

As plans for the party's first official gathering were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn looked to have resolved their differences. Appearing at a progressive event in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the pair to the famous musical siblings, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the party is active again.”

Yet when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was curiously missing. As Corbyn spoke to kick off the event, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a mile from the location.

Leadership Conflict

The situation revealed there was little agreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn stated to reporters he favoured a traditional leadership model, with one person chosen to lead, and indicated he’d be inclined to stand if members voted for this option.

However, in an interview, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with key decisions being decided by ordinary participants – those not already serving as elected officials. She noted that she did not think parties should be run by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a election for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the previous leader were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about various associates and party administrators whom she believes are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that interactions between her supporters and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are notably strained.

The politician – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “harmful environment” among some within Your Party, which had caused “pressure, coercion and defamation” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Internal Divisions

Tensions reached a peak around midday when it became known Sultana would boycott the initial sessions of the conference, in solidarity with potential participants who had been denied entry from the event due to connections to other leftwing groups – particularly the the SWP. Her spokesperson called this a “targeted purge”, commenting: “We need to establish a party that embraces every left-wing supporter.”

Corbyn's associates – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the election authority – were furious, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “distraction”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would cause disruption and worsen internal divisions which already appears to have crippled the new party.

Concerning the standing of the Socialist Workers party, one Corbyn ally said: “Even if it is not officially listed by the regulatory body but it is still a party. The name speaks for itself.”

Frustration Among Attendees

Many delegates were disappointed that Saturday’s events descended into group conflicts when they would have preferred to focus on important topics such as the economic pressures and immigration, as well as strategising for next year’s regional polls.

Your Party is has not determined if it will field its own candidates or support independent socialists and some participants believe 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 proceedings can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the final designation and governance model – will be revealed. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has reassured those who still desire unity.

But the majority of attendees remained discouraged as they shuffled out of the conference hall into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Maybe the mood of the day was summed up by one participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a entire container.”