Co-operative Change: Wales

A Wales Co-operative Party Conference

In 2025, the Co-operative Party is once again holding a series of Conferences across all regions and nations of the UK.  Members and supporters from across Wales are invited to take part in this online event on Saturday 22 March.  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.

Venue

This event will be held online only

The programme*

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.

10am  Welcome and Introduction

• Jackie Jones, Chair Wales Co-operative Party

10.05  Senedd Update: In Conversation with Labour & Co-operative Ministers:

• Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Senedd Cymru
• Mike Hedges MS, Leader of Co-operative Group, Senedd Cymru
• In Conversation with:Caitlin Prowle, Head of Politics, Co-operative Party

10.30    Panel Discussion and Debate: Wales Co-operative Party – Building an agenda for Co-operative Change. This is your chance to contribute to our policy agenda for the 2026 Senedd Election.  Each speaker will be followed by the opportunity for members to contribute and discuss.  Speakers include:

• Social Care, with Geraint Jenkins – Chief Executive Officer, Cartefi
• Community Energy with Dan Roberts, Cwmpas
• Community Right to Buy with Gareth Dowling, Local Government Officer Co-operative Party
• Chair: Huw Lewis, Welsh Political Officer, Co-operative Party

11.30    Delivering for Wales in Westminster, in conversation with:

• Becky Gittins MP, Member of Parliament for Clywd East
• In Conversation with: Caitlin Prowle, Head of Politics, Co-operative Party

12.00    Delivering in Local Government across Wales,  speakers include:

• Cllr Sonia Reynolds, Neath Port Talbot Council
• Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader Monmouthshire Council
• Baroness Wilcox of Newport, Deputy Speaker, House of Lords
• Chair: Mary Wimbury, Co-op Party NEC Representative (Wales)

12.30    Delivering Safer Communities & Action on Retail Crime,  with

• Jane Mudd, Police & Crime Commissioner for Gwent
• Chair: Jackie Owen, Secretary Wales Co-operative Party

12.45    UK Policy Consultation for 2025, with

• Gareth Dowling, Co-op Party Local Government Officer

13.00    Next steps for the Co-operative Party in Wales, with

• Huw Lewis, Wales Political Officer

*Programme is subject to change