As I have done now for over ten years, last week I headed off to Conservative Party Conference to meet colleagues and speak at events. This year we were in Birmingham, and although the headlines were about the ongoing leadership contest, my experience was that this was perhaps the most engaging conference I'd attended for a very long time. This was because, without a leader in place, there was the space to share your own thoughts and, in my case, lobby for the importance of local government within the party.
Speaking at events has become an increasing part of my attendance at conferences, and this year was no different. I spoke at a record eight events over the three days, as well as attending dinners, a couple of receptions and of course attending the closing disco. Is it even a conference if you don't?
Conference started for me with the LGA Conservative Group drinks reception, so well attended that we reached venue capacity before the short speeches. Always one of the highlights of any conference, this is always a great opportunity to chat to colleagues from across the country. Monday and Tuesday were heavy with panels, from my usual appearance at Centre for Cities and Conservative Home events, alongside others this year for thinktanks Reform and Bright Blue, on topics that generally centred around the economy and housing. However, all presented a great opportunity to both raise the profile of Conservatives in local government, as well as the importance of our collective voice in the policy debate, both today and in the future!
As a committed fencesitter in the leadership conference, it is entirely appropriate for me to briefly mention the four campaigns. Although I didn't specifically attend any of the campaign events, I did see the candidates at a variety of events, invariably led in and our by a procession of their supporters. Although highly Amercianised in terms of approach - caps, lanyards, badges and bags everywhere - it nonetheless added a different edge to conference, which for me washed away the idea that the contest was too long and should have been sorted quickly. Allowing the candidates space to set out their stalls and engage with members was entirely the right approach, and although by this time next year we will have a leader, I hope the learning from having the opportunity of a more open policy debate will be carried forward.
