As I reflect on my recent experience at the Labour Party Conference 2024, I’m struck by the sheer scale of the event.

The conference was a hive of activity with over 22,000 delegates, with a packed schedule of keynote speeches, fringe events, and policy discussions that kept attendees engaged from dawn to dusk.  

It took a huge amount of planning to ensure West Midlands Employers (WME) was able to attend all the main events.  

A Bustling Atmosphere

The conference halls were filled with a diverse array of attendees – from local council leaders and mayors to high-profile ministers and MPs alongside lobby groups and our Trade Union counterparts.  

The presence of figures like Angela Rayner, Rachael Reeves, and Wes Streeting added gravitas to the proceedings, while regional leaders such as Richard Parker from the West Midlands and Steve Rotherham from Liverpool brought local mayoral perspectives to the national stage.  

There was a huge focus on the ‘devolution revolution’ through nearly all sessions as well as a strong focus on a 10-year plan in all policy areas.  

Take a look at our highlight reel to get a feel for our experience.

Key Themes and Policy Directions

We attended in our capacity as the Regional Employers Organisation, which affords us a unique position to attend political conferences, our objectives in attending the Labour Party Conference were;  

• To connect with Labour Leaders from our Region, including MPs and Council Leaders as the Regional Employers Organisation at the West Midlands Reception.  

• To engage with senior government figures, including key Cabinet Ministers to ensure West Midlands viewpoints were considered, our geography and 32 Councils we represent are unique.  

• To gain valuable insights into upcoming policy agendas and opportunity to influence viewpoints. 

• Positioned WME as a central player in improvement initiatives 

In addition to these we have reached out to all MPs from our Region with personalised letters to foster potential collaborations and increase awareness of WME’s role. 

Several themes dominated the conference: 

1. Workers’ Rights and Employment: A New Deal for Workers was a hot topic, with promises of strengthened rights and union powers.
2. Devolution and Local Government: There was a strong commitment to “devolution by default” and promises of financial stabilization for local authorities.
3. Economic Growth and Investment: Discussions centred around an upcoming industrial strategy and focus on “inclusive growth”.
4. Health and Social Care: Plans for NHS reform and a National Care Service were outlined.
5. Housing and Communities: Reforms to Right to Buy and new standards for the private rented sector were discussed. 
6. Education and Skills: Emphasis was placed on lifelong learning and apprenticeship reforms. 

Looking Ahead

The conference provided a clear sense of ambition for Labour’s priorities should they form the next government. The recurring theme of 10-year plans across various departments suggests a long-term approach to policymaking.  

As we left the conference, there was a palpable sense of anticipation. Whether you agree with the policies or not, it’s clear that significant changes will be on the horizon for local government and the public sector.  

As we return to our respective roles, the challenge now is to consider how these national policies might translate into local action and impact our communities. 

By Rebecca Davis Chief Executive – West Midlands Employers