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At the idea of a new progressive party led by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it was so popular that hundreds of thousands showed enthusiasm in joining.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by arguments – its founders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many expected this weekend's launch gathering would herald a new beginning.

Troubling Opening Day

A significant portion of the participants are former Labour members, dissatisfied with the policies of the incumbent leadership and seeking a new party as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

While preparations for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn appeared to resolved their differences. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the well-known duo, remarking: “I’m here to tell you the project is moving forward.”

However when the gates to the meeting hall in Liverpool were unlocked on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was sipping hot chocolate in a coffee shop about a mile from the conference site.

Governance Division

The situation revealed there was no unified position on how the party should be led. Corbyn informed the press he supported a traditional leadership model, with a single individual elected to take charge, and implied he’d be prepared to compete if members selected this option.

But, in an conversation, Sultana said she was supporting a shared governance model, with key decisions being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be controlled by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, suggest she would be prepared to run in competition with Corbyn if there was a vote for a sole leader.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the ex-party head were maintaining a positive relationship – they had, she said, spoken about how they desired the conference to be “an uplifting and happy event where members feel empowered” – she was scathing about various associates and party administrators whom she thinks are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is understood that relations between her backers and Corbyn’s former chief of staff Karie Murphy are especially tense.

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

Boycott and Factionalism

Strains escalated significantly around the afternoon when it was revealed Sultana would avoid the initial sessions of the conference, in support for prospective attendees who had been denied entry from the event due to membership in other progressive movements – notably the the SWP. Her spokesperson described this as a “witch-hunt”, commenting: “We must build a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Corbyn's associates – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was registered with the Electoral Commission – were furious, accusing Sultana of trying to create a “sideshow”. They feel permitting dual affiliations would create chaos and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the emerging organization.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “Although it isn't registered with the election authority but it is still a party. Its title indicates its nature.”

Concern Among Attendees

Numerous attendees were frustrated that Saturday’s events descended into internal disputes when they would have wanted to address important topics such as the financial challenges and immigration, as well as preparing for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is has not determined if it will present its own contenders or back socialist independents and some members feel the party will have failed if it is not on the ballot paper as an replacement for Labour.

Hope for The Second Day

It remains to be seen if the conference can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of key votes – such as the final designation and governance model – will be announced. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has comforted those who still wish for agreement.

But most delegates remained disheartened as they departed of the meeting space into a damp night in the city on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by an individual participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is turning into a full bottle.”