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The next General Election could be the biggest opportunity for change in a generation. As our country deals with the damage of 13 years of Conservative government, we have the chance to show how together, our movement can build a better Britain.
That’s why Ambition for Change: Co-operative Party Annual Conference 2023 will step right into the heart of our priorities for the next Labour and Co-operative government to deliver change created everywhere, by everyone, for everyone.
After the success of our previous online annual conferences, we will now be alternating between an in-person and online conference each year – and this September, we'll be bringing you the best of our movement straight to your laptop, tablet or phone.
Whether you’re a well-seasoned Conference veteran or a first-time attendee, there’s no better place to come together and get general election ready.
This year, our Annual Conference main weekend will take place on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th September. Register now to get the full programme when it lands!
Announced Speakers
Ed Miliband MP
Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security & Net Zero
Jim McMahon MP
Chair of the Co-operative Party
Anneliese Dodds MP
Chair of the Labour Party
Jonathan Reynolds MP
Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Vaughan Gething MS
Minister for Economy of Wales
Sarah Boyack MSP
Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy, and Just Transition, Scotland
Miatta Fahnbulleh
Economist and Labour & Co-operative Parliamentary Candidate for Camberwell and Peckham
Rhoda Grant MSP
Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Scotland
With more to come...
Programme
- Mon 18 – Fri 22 SepMon 18 – Fri 22 Sep
- Saturday 23 SeptemberSat 23 Sep
- Sunday 24 SeptemberSun 11 Sep
- Mon 25 - Fri 29 SepMon 25 - Fri 29 Sep
17.45: CAC Chair’s Report
with Theresa Vaughan
18.00: Westminster Parliamentary report, with:
Lord Kennedy of Southwark
Seema Malhotra MP
... and further speakers to be announced
Chair – Rob Bates, Political and Parliamentary Officer
18.30: Scottish Parliamentary report, with:
Claire Baker MSP
Pauline McNeill MSP
Colin Smyth MSP
Richard McCready
18.30: Senedd report, with:
Huw Irranca-Davies MS
... and further speakers to be announced
Sessions livestreamed to Co-operative Party website, YouTube & Facebook including:
Chair's Welcome: Jim McMahon MP in conversation with Anneliese Dodds MP
Community Energy, with speakers including:
- Ed Miliband MP, Shadow Secretary
- Emma Foody, Assistant General Secretary, Co-operative Party
- Emma Bridge, CEO Community Energy England
- Sarah Boyack MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy, and Just Transition, Scotland
Co-operative Growth, with speakers including:
- Jonathan Reynolds MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade
- Vaughan Gething MS, Minister for the Economy, Wales
- Miatta Fahnbulleh, Economist and Labour & Co-operative Candidate for Camberwell & Peckham
Local Ownership, with speakers including:
- Rhoda Grant MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Scotland
- Jim McMahon MP, Chair of the Co-operative Party
- Tim Davies-Pugh, CEO Power to Change
Sessions held on Zoom (Register here) including:
Introduction to Day 2
- Ruth Hall, Vice Chair Co-operative Party NEC
CAC Chair’s Report (if required) , with:
- Theresa Vaughan
Co-operative campaigning for Social Justice
- Niall Cooper, Your Local Pantry
- Emma Back, Equal Care Co-operative
- Paul Gerrard, the Co-operative Group
- Chair: Ruth Hall, Vice-Chair NEC
Co-operative campaigning for a Fairer Economy: with:
- Mary Patel, Fair Tax Foundation
- Sheenagh Young, South Manchester Credit Union
- Fran Boait, Positive Money
- Chair: Ruth Hall, Vice-Chair NEC
Housing Policy debate, with:
- Chair – Abigail Marshall-Katung, Chair NEC Policy Sub
- Joe Fortune, General Secretary Co-operative Party
Putting Equality at the Heart of Co-operation: report on the 9 Sept Conference of the Party’s member-led networks, with
- Vince Barry-Stanners
Conference business
- Chair - Jim McMahon MP, Chair of Co-operative Party
- Rule Change
- Membership Subscription for 2024
- Organisational Motions – no motions received in order
- Emergency motions – to be advised on Saturday evening
- CAC Election – no nominations received. Note CAC members will continue their role in 2024 for an additional year (pending a rule change)
Policy response, with:
- Abigail Marshall-Katung, Chair NEC Policy Sub
Thanks and Conference close
- Abigail Marshall-Katung, Chair NEC Policy Sub