Conference season is well and truly here. At the Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference the LGA played a vital role in emphasising the importance of local governance and the critical job councils have in addressing crucial issues.
Conference season is well and truly here. A swarm of jubilant Liberal Democrat activists, campaigners, councillors and parliamentarians kicked off their victory lap in sunny, beautiful Brighton last Saturday for their annual Autumn Conference – with stuntman extraordinaire Ed Davey majestically arriving on a jet-ski and signalling his intention to have a rollercoaster of a time.
But despite such stunts inevitably grabbing the headlines and the occasional serenading of conference goers by Ed to the dulcet tones of ‘Sweet Caroline’, the Lib Dems were strictly disciplined throughout debates and speeches when it came to hammering their key messages on items such as social care and carers, public services and the environment.
The LGA, as ever, played a vital role in emphasising the importance of local governance and the critical job councils have in addressing these crucial issues. And with a massively increased group of 72 Liberal Democrat MPs now unequivocally hammering the same drum, the voice of councils will be even stronger in Westminster.
LGA Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Joe Harris gave a keynote speech to Conference on the Saturday, reminding the party of the strong track record Lib Dem councils have on issues such as fighting climate change and innovative practice in social care provision.
On the Sunday, Cllr Joe Harris then chaired the first of our fringe debates, titled Community energy – powering the future?. Joined by Pippa Heylings MP, Leader of Stratford on Avon District Council and Director of Heart of England Community Energy Cllr Susan Juned, and Bloom Procurement Services sustainability adviser Cllr Steve Mason, we explored the many practical, strategic and communication focused things councils can do to support the development of local community energy schemes. Pippa Heylings has just been confirmed as the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Energy Security and Net Zero.
As well as playing a key role in meeting the UK’s net zero target, Pippa also highlighted that supporting the local development of community energy projects has positive impacts on equality, social cohesion and economic opportunity.
The evening saw our Local Government Reception, with speeches given by Ed Davey, Cllr Joe Harris, and the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors (ALDC) Management Committee Chair Cllr Prue Bray thanking councillors and campaigners alike and celebrating the brilliant election results the Party had in both May and July. The Reception was a great opportunity to have informal conversations with a range of stakeholders.
It was the topic of our packed Monday fringe debate, however, that was a stark example of the severe challenges facing local government. Titled Funding local government – the oncoming storm, panellists Helen Morgan MP, Leader of Eastleigh Borough Council Cllr Keith House, and Efficio consultant Scott Collins delivered blunt warnings of what councils will face if urgent action is not taken to stabilise finances and protect vital local services. Chairing the session, Cllr Heather Kidd noted the 18 councils already relying on Exceptional Financial Support from the Government to balance their books this year. With English councils facing a £2.3 billion funding gap in 2025/26 rising to £3.9 billion in 2026/27, attendees of the debate left with an ominous but all too necessary understanding of the gravity of the situation and the systemic financial failure that looms. Helen Morgan now moves on from her role as Local Government Spokesperson for the Lib Dems to Health and Social Care Spokesperson – with Vikki Slade MP taking up Helen’s former brief.
The LGA’s presence at Conference was a reminder to attendees of the fundamental part local authorities play in shaping key policies as well as how closely aligned the Lib Dems are with our agenda of empowering local communities. Ultimately however, at these sorts of events, it’s the personal experiences relayed in speeches by various figures that end up leaving the most significant mark on you. Whether it’s the harrowing story of Daisy Cooper MP’s aggressive Crohn’s disease and the NHS saving her life, or Ed Davey’s son John and the first time he was able to say ‘Daddy’ at nine years old, it’s inspirational to witness the drive people have to bring about transformative and positive change.