A Co-operative Party Regional Conference
for the Midlands
In 2025, the Co-operative Party is once again holding a series of virtual Conferences across all regions and nations of the UK. Members and supporters from across the West and East Midland regions are invited to take part in this online Zoom event on Saturday 8 March from 10.30am to 1pm.
The theme for this Conference is Co-operative Change – and how the Co-operative Party is delivering on its policy commitments to the co-operative and mutual sectors that widen ownership in our local economies as well as strengthen community wellbeing and resilience. We will examine further the commitments made to co-op growth, community energy, local ownership and safer high streets in a series of conversations, panel discussions and keynote speeches, and highlight co-operative solutions that give people the tools and support they need to tackle the big issues from inequality and hunger to green jobs and high street regeneration.
Venue
This event will be held online only
The programme
10.30 Welcome
- Emma Hoddinott, Assistant General Secretary, Co-operative Party
10.35 Largest ever Labour & Co-operative Parliamentary Group, in conversation with Emma Hoddinott:
- Preet Gill MP, Chair of Westminster Parliamentary Group and MP for Edgbaston
- Gareth Snell MP, MP for Stoke on Trent Central
- Baggy Shanker MP, MP for Derby South
11.00 Delivery of co-operative solutions in local growth plans, in conversation with local elected representatives including:
- Richard Parker, Mayor of West Midlands
- Claire Ward, Mayor of East Midlands
11.30 Building a co-operative manifesto, with:
- Gareth Dowling, Co-operative Party Local Government Officer
11.45 Delivering Community Power Facilitated panel discussion with community organisers including:
- Jeevan Jones, Save Birmingham
- Deana Bamford, Coalville CAN
- Karen Creavin, Active Wellbeing Society
12.15 Safer Community and Action on Retail Crime, in conversation with regional Police and Crime Commissioners :
- Danielle Stone, Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner
- Nicolle Ndiwena, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner
12.45 Introduction to 2025’s policy consultation, with:
- Dan Monaghan, Co-operative Party Policy Officer
13.00 Next steps