This page will be updated regularly throughout the conference season with the latest information and confirmed speakers. 

Labour Conference, 28 September – 1 October

Community businesses are already working on the ground to tackle the big issues of our time and we want people delivering this change to be heard loud and clear at Labour conference this year.  

This year, at conference we will be working with a group of seven community business leaders from across England to burst the conference bubble, bringing people with skin in the game face to face with national policymakers and political influencers.  

If you’re curating a panel and want practical insight from those making change happen, get in touch with lucy.symington@powertochange.org to find out if a community business leader can bring real world experience to your panel.  

Our programme of fringe events at Labour Party Conference:

Merseyside Community Power Roundtable, Saturday 27 September

With the Co-operative Party and Make CIC. 

This private roundtable, with Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram and Alison McGovern, MP for Birkenhead and Minister for Local Government, will bring Liverpool based community businesses and organisations together to celebrate what communities have achieved and what they can do more of with the right support. This event is invite only. 

Beyond Blue Labour: does communitarianism present a roadmap for renewing social democracy? Sunday 28 September, 12.45-1.45pm, RIBA North

With UCL Policy Lab and We’re Right Here.  

Join us as we launch a new essay collection exploring how communitarianism might provide the roadmap to strengthening our politics and renewing Britain.
Speakers include:

• Introduction by Andy Jackson, The Heeley Trust
• Marc Stears, UCL Policy Lab
• Frances Foley, Compass  
• Josh Simons MP, Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office   
• Kirsty McNeil MP, Minister for Scotland

Holding on to HOPE: How to build community Britain, Monday 29 September, 4pm, ACC Meeting Room 12

With the Co-operative Party and HOPE Not Hate.

It’s time for the political system to recognise and value the social, economic and political power of communities. The Co-operative Party, HOPE not Hate and Power to Change are hosting vital discussion on the steps needed to do that and to build community power for the future.
Speakers include:

• Ros Wynne-Jones, The Mirror (Chair) 
• Kirsty McNeil MP, Minister for Scotland
• Caitlin Prowle, The Co-operative Party
• Misbah Malik, HOPE Not Hate 
• Sacha Bedding, The Wharton Trust

Drinks reception: Growth you can see, feel, and be a part of, with community business,  Monday 29 September, 5pm-7pm, Baltic Creative, 49 Jamaica Street, L1 0AH 

Burst the conference bubble and join community business leaders to explore how we can spark change that reaches into everyday life in every community.
Speakers include:

• Chris Curtis MP, Labour Growth Group 
• Marie Osborne, Future Wolverton 

Liberal Democrat Conference, 20-23 September 2025  

If you’re attending the Liberal Democrat party conference in Bournemouth this year and want to connect, please contact lucy.symington@powertochange.org.uk.

Conservative Conference, 5-8 October 2025  

If you’re attending the Conservative party conference in Manchester this year and want to connect, please contact jessica.craig@powertochange.org.uk.