Councils were at the heart of national debate.
With Parliament back after its conference recess, the LGA is proud to reflect on a landmark season of political engagement.
Having attended the major UK party conferences – Reform UK, Liberal Democrat, Labour, Green, and Conservative – the LGA celebrates a series of successful events that have placed local government at the heart of national debate.
Our panel discussions, receptions, and fringe events brought together councillors, parliamentarians, ministers and sector partners to champion councils’ priorities and reflect on key themes, including devolution, local government reorganisation, employment and skills, and effective governance.
With the formal establishment of the LGA’s Reform UK Group, we were delighted to co-sponsor the Councillors’ Lounge at the party’s Birmingham conference.
This provided a welcoming space for newly elected councillors to connect, share experiences, and learn about the LGA’s work.
At the LGA’s local government reception at the Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth, we were joined by Lib Dem Leader Sir Ed Davey, who reinforced the party’s commitment to supporting local government.
His presence, alongside Cllr Joe Harris, Leader of the LGA’s Liberal Democrat Group, made for an inspiring evening of networking and discussion about the future of local democracy.
In Liverpool, LGA Chair Cllr Louise Gittins hosted a lunch between senior figures from Labour local government, Ministers Baroness Taylor and Alison McGovern from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), and Ministers Josh MacAlister and Georgia Gould from the Department for Education.
Cllr Gittins joined the Prime Minister and MHCLG Secretary of State Steve Reed on stage for the Association of Labour Councillors’ conference reception.
She also chaired an LGA fringe panel on English devolution, featuring Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of the LGA’s Labour Group, and Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, alongside Ministers Taylor and McGovern.
At the Green Party Conference in Bournemouth, a packed fringe session chaired by Cllr Hannah Dalton, Leader of the LGA’s Independent Group, discussed how councils can empower local communities through periods of transition.
Cllr Dalton, her group Deputy Leader Cllr Andrew Cooper, and LGA Vice-President Baroness Bennett addressed the LGA’s conference reception, highlighting the critical role local leadership plays in shaping national priorities and driving meaningful change in communities.
The LGA’s conference tour ended in Manchester, where we celebrated the work of Conservative councillors at our packed local government reception.
Guests heard from Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride, Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake, and Shadow MHCLG Secretary Sir James Cleverly, who all recognised the vital role local government plays in delivering for communities.
Cllr Kevin Bentley, Leader of the LGA’s Conservative Group, chaired a thought-provoking panel on local government reorganisation, joined by Cllrs Abi Brown OBE (LGA Conservative Group Deputy Leader), Anne Handley (Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council), Dr Antony Mullen (Leader of Sunderland Conservatives), and Shadow Local Government Minister David Simmonds.
At each conference, the LGA showcased the excellent work of councils, highlighted best practice, and shared innovations – particularly in the adoption of emerging technologies to improve services and deliver efficiencies.
The insights, connections, and momentum gained from this year’s conferences will inform our work as we navigate the legislative and policy developments ahead.
We thank all councillors, partners, and stakeholders who contributed to the vibrant discussions and, together, helped demonstrate the strength and impact of local government.
- For more reports from the annual party conferences, see: ‘Places and partnerships’ by Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed; ‘Certainty and freedom’ by Shadow Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Sir James Cleverly’; ‘Celebrating local success’ by Cllr Joe Harris, Leader of the LGA’s Liberal Democrat Group; and ‘The next step’ by Cllr Stephen Atkinson, Leader of the LGA’s Reform UK Group.
- If you wish to continue or kickstart a conversation with the team, please contact publicaffairs.team@local.gov.uk.