I am writing this after a busy, but very enjoyable, Conservative Party Conference in Manchester.
We began by welcoming colleagues to our local government reception. Speakers included: Baroness Shephard, of the Association of Conservative Peers; Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake; Sir Mel Stride, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer; and Shadow Secretary of State Sir James Cleverly.
I chaired an LGA fringe meeting on local government reorganisation and devolution. This included: an update on the work of the Shadow Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government team from David Simmonds MP; reflections on devolution in East Yorkshire from Cllr Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council; a summary of the LGA’s sector-led support from our Deputy LGA Group Leader, Cllr Abi Brown; and an academic perspective from Cllr Dr Antony Mullen, Conservative Group Leader on Sunderland City Council.
The opening comments from the panel were followed by an excellent Q&A session covering a range of issues.
I am grateful to colleagues who represented the LGA at fringe meetings and other events for providing a strong voice for Conservative local government.
The conference ended on a real high with Leader Kemi Badenoch’s rousing speech, and as I returned home our Conservative Group Leaders’ WhatsApp was buzzing with enthusiasm, energy and a real sense of purpose.