OWNING THE FUTURE

North East Regional Co-operative Party Conference

In 2021, due to the restrictions imposed following the Covid-19 pandemic, the Co-operative Party is holding a series of virtual regional Conferences across all areas of the UK.  Members and supporters from across the North East are invited to take part in this virtual event on Saturday 27 February from 2pm to 5.45pm.

Session 1: Party Policy (Location: Conference Livestream via Co-op Party website )

2pm Update on the current work of the Party and its politicians, with:

• Welcome & keynote address: Joe Fortune, General Secretary, the Co-operative Party
• Keynote speech: Angela Rayner MP, Dept. Leader of the Labour Party
• Diversity: Chantal Lee, Equalities Officer, the Co-operative Party

2.30pm Social Care Policy panel debate followed by facilitated Q&A, with:

• Sharon Lowrie, CEO, Be Caring: Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester & Newcastle
• Graeme Mitchell, Chair Co-operative Care Colne Valley
• Cllr Joanne Harding, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Trafford Council
• Anna Birley (chair), Policy Officer, the Co-operative Party

3.15pm Reinvigorating our High Streets Policy panel debate followed by facilitated Q&A, with:

• Hugh Goulbourne, Huddersfield BID Covid19 recovery taskforce
• Hazel Tilley, Granby Street Liverpool
• Cllr Joy Allen, Cabinet leader for transformation, Durham County Council
• Anna Birley (chair), Policy Officer, the Co-operative Party

BREAK

Session 2: Our Region (Location: Zoom – invites sent with email confirmation after registration)

4.15pm Introduction: Michael Bell, NEC representative for the North East

4.20pm Highlighting inspiring work of our Labour, Co-operative & Trade Union friends,  speakers include:

• Emma Lewell-Buck MP, Shadow Minister for Children & Families and MP for South Shields
• Cllr Louise Farthing, Food Champion & Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills, Sunderland City Council
• Cllr Linda Hobson,  Deputy Regional Convenor, UNISON Northern Region

4.50 Getting elected, with:

• Emma Hoddinott, Local Government Officer, the Co-operative Party
• Stephen Stanners, Regional Organiser

5.15 Spotlight on elections, speakers include:

• Kim McGuiness, Police & Crime Commissioner for Northumberland
• Jessie Joe Jacobs, Mayoral candidate for Tees Valley
• Cllr Clare Penny-Evans, Newcastle City Council
• Cllr Susan Dungworth, Northumberland County Council

5.45 End

Register your interest in attending here: