Conservative local government provides a bedrock of support
As a former Conservative Group Leader at the LGA, it is a real privilege to have been invited to write my review of this year’s Conservative Party conference.
This was a particularly special conference for myself, as I have been appointed as the Shadow Minister with responsibility for Local Government.
Three months ago, the party suffered a frustrating result in the general election and that cannot be ignored.
But having recently returned from Birmingham, I am delighted to report that while reflective, I found conference uplifting and optimistic.
Perhaps the optimism in Birmingham came from the missteps of the new Labour Government, or the buzz of a leadership election, but more than likely it came from the bedrock of support we find in local government.
Even before we reached the International Conference Centre in the heart of Birmingham, there was a buzz around our local government family.
Over recent weeks, we have had a string of impressive local by-election results. Since the general election, we have seen Conservative gains across the country, taking council seats from Labour and others.
Perhaps most notably, Tim Barnes won in London, paving a way for us to reclaim control of London boroughs in 2026.
Arriving in Birmingham, I was delighted to see many of my former colleagues from the world of local government.
“It is important that we remember there are still more than 5,000 Conservative councillors and 77 Conservative-led councils in the UK”
Having spent more than two decades as a local councillor, and with various responsibilities, I have always thoroughly enjoyed discussing the issues we all face in our local communities.
It is important that we remember there are still more than 5,000 Conservative councillors and 77 Conservative-led councils in the UK.
While impossible to tell, it was certainly clear that many of these councillors travelled from across the country to meet in Birmingham.
All those reading will know that the LGA has been essential in providing a regular forum in which Conservative councillors can meet and organise, and this year’s conference in Birmingham was no different.
I was delighted to not only attend the LGA’s annual reception, but to also sit on one of its fringe events. Those who attended the debate will know that we discussed how to support councils while providing constructive opposition in Westminster.
Away from the LGA events, members who attended the conference will know that this year had a focus on housing. With the leadership candidates making their pitches on the big stage, I spent much of conference meeting different stakeholders and sitting on panels relating to housing and planning.
With the new Government announcing the review of the National Planning Policy Framework, local councils and housebuilders have many concerns.
Hearing directly from councillors and council leaders about how anxious the new Government has made them will influence our national response.
Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention the centrepiece of the conference, the leadership contest. I hope that councillors leaving the conference will share my confidence that, whoever becomes the leader of our party, we have two final candidates – Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch – who know the importance of local government. I know all will be playing close attention to our local government family.