The Ins and Outs of the Labor Party Conference
The Labor Party Conference is an annual gathering of the UK’s Labor Party members and affiliated trade unions. It is a key event in the party’s calendar and an opportunity to set policy, rally the troops, and showcase the party leadership.
What Is the Labor Party Conference?
The Labor Party Conference, sometimes called the Labor Annual Conference, brings together Labor representatives from across the UK. It is attended by:
- Labor Members of Parliament (MPs)
- Constituency Labor Parties
- Affiliated trade unions
- Socialist societies
- Co-operative Party members
The conference is an opportunity for Labor members to debate party policy and vote on proposals put forward by the National Executive Committee, MPs, and Constituency Labor Parties. Policy passed at the conference shapes the party’s manifesto for general elections.
The leader’s speech is a highlight of the conference. The Labor leader rallies supporters by outlining their vision and often using the speech to launch new policies.
When and Where Does the Conference Take Place?
The Labor Party Conference is held annually, usually in late September or early October. The conference lasts around 5 days.
Recent and upcoming conference locations include:
- 2022 – Liverpool
- 2021 – Brighton
- 2020 – Online only (due to Covid-19)
- 2019 – Brighton
- 2018 – Liverpool
The conference venue rotates between seaside towns and major cities across the UK.
Who Attends and Speaks at the Conference?
Thousands of Labor members and delegates attend the conference. As well as Labor MPs, others attending include:
- Constituency party delegates
- Trade union delegates
- Socialist society delegates
- Labor officials
- Party staff
- Journalists and media
Party officers, shadow cabinet members, and trade union general secretaries often give speeches in the main hall. Fringe events allow less high-profile members and activists to share ideas.
The Labor leader’s speech is the highlight of the conference. Other key speeches come from the Deputy Leader, Shadow Chancellor, and General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress.
How Does the Conference Work?
Several different meetings and sessions take place during the 5 days:
Policy Debates
Delegates debate and vote on policy motions submitted by the Constituency Labor Parties, affiliates, and the National Executive Committee. Passing a policy does not guarantee it will appear in the party’s next general election manifesto.
Fringe Meetings
Fringe meetings allow delegates, MPs, activists, and academics to discuss key issues and share ideas outside the main conference hall. Meetings range from panel discussions to practical workshops.
Leader’s Speech
The Leader’s speech is when the party leader rallies supporters by outlining their vision. It is preceded by speeches from senior party figures.
Voting and Ballots
Delegates vote on policy motions and constitutional amendments. There are also elections for some internal positions like the National Executive Committee.
Training and Networking
Training sessions help delegates effectively participate in policy debates. Receptions and social events provide networking opportunities.
What Is Discussed at the Conference?
Party policy is the main focus of the conference. Delegates shape policy by submitting motions on topical issues like:
- The economy and budget deficits
- Taxation and public spending
- Education and schools
- Law and order
- Transport and Infrastructure
- Health and social care
- Housing and planning
- Energy and environment
- Defense and foreign policy
- Workers rights and trade unions
Policy passed at one conference may be reaffirmed, updated, or reversed at future conferences as priorities change.
Fringe meetings allow detailed discussion of specialist subjects like technology, arts, diversity, health, and education.
How Is the Conference Agenda Set?
The agenda is influenced by:
- The party leadership – who decides keynote speakers and schedules the leader’s speeches.
- The Conference Arrangements Committee – who organizes the timetable and schedule of debates and votes.
- Constituency parties and affiliates – who submit motions they want to be debated.
Controversial issues are sometimes sidelined by scheduling them against more popular debates or the leader’s speech.
Is the Conference Decision-Making Binding?
Policies passed at the conference are not binding on the party leadership. There is leeway in which policies make it into the election manifesto.
However, the conference gives a strong indication of grassroots opinion within the party. Ignoring conference decisions altogether is risky for leaders.
The conference shapes party policy direction but the extent to which leaders are bound by decisions is debatable.
Conclusion
The Labor Party Conference is a vital event that brings together the party and shapes policy. It rallies activists while giving members a democratic voice through debating and voting on motions.
Conferences do not always get it right and leaders must balance membership decisions with electoral pragmatism. However, strong performances that unite the party can give leaders a boost entering an election campaign.
Weak leaders often struggle to contain party divisions at conferences. But used effectively, successful conferences can demonstrate strength and fire up the Labor base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the Labor Party Conference?
Attendance is open to Labor MPs, party delegates, affiliate organization representatives, party employees, and guests like journalists. Ordinary party members can also attend as visitors.
How many people attend the conference?
Attendance varies but is usually between 10,000 – 14,000 people. This includes delegates, visitors, guests, exhibitors, party workers, and journalists.
What is debated at the conference?
Delegates debate and vote on policy motions that shape the party’s policy program. Fringe meetings allow detailed discussion on specialist subjects.
When did the first Labor Party Conference take place?
The first Labor Party Conference was held in 1906 in London. The 2022 Liverpool conference was the 122nd Labor Party Conference.
Where can I watch or stream the conference?
Labor Party Conference speeches and debates are usually broadcast live on BBC Parliament and the Labor Party website. Highlights appear on BBC News.
