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When the concept of a recent progressive party led by the former Labour leader and Zarah Sultana was originally suggested in the summer, it was so popular that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in participating.

Although it was rapidly overwhelmed by disputes – its leaders rowed bitterly over its early governance and funding model – many hoped this weekend's launch gathering would represent a new beginning.

Concerning Opening Day

A significant portion of the participants are former Labour members, unhappy about the direction of the incumbent leadership and looking for a new party as they worry about the rise of Reform UK.

When arrangements for the party's launch event were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to resolved their differences. Speaking at a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana lightheartedly likened the duo to the well-known duo, saying: “Let me assure you the party is active again.”

However when the gates to the conference centre in Liverpool opened on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably not present. As Corbyn delivered his opening address, she was sipping hot chocolate in a restaurant about a short distance from the location.

Structure Division

It was clear there was significant disagreement on how the party should be led. Corbyn told journalists he preferred a established hierarchical structure, with a single individual voted into power, and suggested he’d be prepared to compete if members voted for this option.

However, in an discussion, Sultana said she was backing a group decision-making process, with key decisions being taken by lay members – those not already serving as MPs or councillors. She commented that she did not think parties should be managed by “individual figures”. She did, nonetheless, state she would be willing to stand in competition with Corbyn if there was a contest for a individual head.

Problematic Environment

While Sultana maintained she and the former Labour leader were on good terms – they had, she said, discussed how they wanted the conference to be “a positive, joyful experience where members are enabled” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and group leaders whom she feels are undermining her. She would not specify who, but it is believed that relations between her backers 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 “negative atmosphere” among others in Your Party, which had resulted in “harassment, threats and false accusations” and “planned interference”.

Boycott and Factionalism

Strains escalated significantly around midday when it emerged Sultana would avoid the opening day of the conference, in solidarity with would-be delegates who had been denied entry from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – especially the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson called this a “political persecution”, stating: “It is essential to create a party that is inclusive of all progressives.”

Allies of Corbyn – who mistakenly stated on Saturday morning that the the group was registered with the election authority – were incensed, accusing Sultana of seeking to orchestrate a “secondary event”. They believe accepting overlapping memberships would lead to problems and worsen internal divisions which already seems to have hampered the new party.

On the status of the Socialist Workers party, one associate said: “It might not be registered with the election authority but it is clearly an organization. Its title indicates its nature.”

Disappointment Among Delegates

Many delegates were annoyed that Saturday’s activities descended into factionalism when they would have preferred to discuss important topics such as the economic pressures and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s municipal votes.

Your Party is yet to decide if it will run its own nominees or back socialist independents and some members think the party will have failed if it is not available as a choice as an option besides Labour.

Expectation for Sunday

The result is unclear if the event can be recovered on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the official title and organizational system – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and deliver an address, which has reassured those who still desire unity.

But the majority of attendees remained despondent as they made their way of the conference hall into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. Perhaps the sentiment of the day was expressed by an individual participant, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a bottle.”