Party conferences
Each year, we organise panel events at the Labour and Conservative party conferences, offering expertise and evidence on pressing policy topics.
We have been running our conference programme for a number of years, bringing together panels of experts to discuss a wide range of pressing policy challenges at both Labour and Conservative conferences.
Join us at the Conservative Conference in Manchester, from 1 to 4 October, and in Liverpool for the Labour Conference from 8 to 11 October, for a series of events on wellbeing, innovation, transport, levelling up and so much more.
To find out more about any of our events at party conference this year, please email policy@manchester.ac.uk.
Labour Party Conference
8 October - 11 October 2023
In partnership with Total Politics
Monday 9 October, 09.15 - 10.30am
Meeting Room 4A, ACC Liverpool L3 4FP
Please note that this event will take place inside the secure zone and a conference pass will be required to attend.
Innovation has the potential to boost both regions and the wider UK economy. Join us as we explore what can be done to ensure that we leverage innovation to address regional disparities, promote economic opportunities, and enhance social well-being across the country.
Confirmed panellists:
- Kevin Schofield, Political Editor, HuffPost (Chair)
- Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council
- Professor Richard Jones, Vice President for Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement, The University of Manchester
- Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and Shadow Minister for Science, Research and Innovation
Monday 9 October, 10.30 - 11.30am
Meeting Room 1, Leonardo Hotel, 31 Keel Wharf, Liverpool L3 4FN
Despite unprecedented scrutiny, water companies continue to dump untreated wastewater and sewage on a colossal scale. To clean up our rivers and coastline we need to know how much sewage is being dumped and ensure the Environment Agency has the resources to monitor pollution and tackle polluters. Can we save our rivers before it's too late?
Confirmed panellists:
- Sarah Fowler, CEO, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (Chair)
- Allison Ogden-Newton, CEO, Keep Britain Tidy
- Dani Jordan, Director of Campaigns and Communities, Surfers Against Sewage
- Professor Jamie Woodward, Professor of Physical Geography, The University of Manchester
- Toby Perkins MP, Shadow Minister for Nature & Rural Affairs and MP for Chesterfield
In partnership with WMREDI
Monday 9 October, 10.30 - 11.30am
Meeting Room 4, Leonardo Hotel, 31 Keel Wharf, Liverpool L3 4FN
Confirmed panellists:
- Matt Western, MP for Warwick and Leamington and Shadow Minister for Higher Education (Chair)
- Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of the City of Manchester and GMCA Portfolio Leader for Economy, Business and Inclusive Growth
- Professor Richard Jones, Vice President for Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement, The University of Manchester
- Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and Shadow Minister for Science, Research and Innovation
- Rebecca Riley, Associate Professor, Enterprise, Engagement and Impact, WMREDI/City-REDI
- Daniel Zeichner, MP for Cambridge and Chair of the APPG for Universities
In partnership with Centre for Cities
Monday 9 October, 11.30am - 12.30pm
The Clore Studio, Tate Liverpool, Royal Albert Dock L3 4BB
Economic inactivity is above pre-pandemic levels - UK unemployment triples when including economically inactive people. This hidden unemployment is widening the inequality gap, compounding problems in the north and creating new problems in the south. Join us at this panel discussion to explore the drivers of economic inactivity across different regions and demographics, and how to address the inactivity challenge.
Confirmed panellists:
- Andrew Carter, Chief Executive, Centre for Cities (Chair)
- Alison McGovern, MP for Wirral South and Shadow Employment Minister
- Baroness Blake of Leeds, Shadow Spokesperson for Business & Trade and Net Zero
- Dr Elaine Dewhurst, Senior Lecturer in Employment Law, The University of Manchester
- Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council
In partnership with Centre for Cities
Monday 9 October, 16.30 - 17.30
The Clore Studio, Tate Liverpool, Royal Albert Dock L3 4BB
Hear from Mayor of Greater Manchester on his priorities for the region following this year’s Trailblazer devolution deals and the launch of the Bee Network in September, and how he wants to work with Government to achieve his goals.
- Andrew Carter, Chief Executive, Centre for Cities (Chair)
- Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
In partnership with Social Market Foundation
Tuesday 10 October, 09.00 - 10.00am
Room 6, Leonardo's Hotel, 31 Keel Wharf, Liverpool L3 4FN
Join us to hear from a panel of experts on how we can address negative care pathways often experienced by Black and Minority Ethnic patients in mental healthcare and improve outcomes for everyone. Featuring research and case studies from The University of Manchester.
Confirmed panellists:
- Dr Aveek Bhattacharya, Interim Director, Social Market Foundation (Chair)
- Professor Dawn Edge, Professor of Mental Health and Inclusivity, The University of Manchester
- Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead and Shadow Minister for Women’s Health and Mental Health
- Dr Onkar Sahota AM, London Assembly
- Dr Lade Smith CBE, President, Royal College of Psychiatrists
Tuesday 10 October, 12.00 - 1.00pm
Meeting Room 4, Leonardo Hotel, 31 Keel Wharf, Liverpool L3 4FN
It is places, and not people, which have been de-skilled. So if levelling up is a meaningful long-term project, decision makers must rethink the approach to education in areas which have been 'left behind' by decades of decline. Can a new place-focussed education strategy match skills with jobs to create a high-skilled and high-wage local economy?
Confirmed panellists:
- Anne Longfield CBE, Former Children's Commissioner, currently chair of Commission on Young Lives (Chair)
- Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office
- Baz Ramaiah, Head of Policy, The Centre for Education and Youth and The Cultural Learning Alliance
- Cllr Eamonn O'Brien, Leader of Bury Council and GMCA portfolio holder for Education and Skills
- Dr Eric Lybeck, Senior Lecturer, The University of Manchester
- Paul O'Neill, Deputy CEO, Right to Succeed
In partnership with Institute for Government
Tuesday 10 October, 12.00 - 1.00pm
Room 26, Arena Floor, ACC Liverpool L3 4FP
Please note that this event will take place inside the secure zone and a conference pass will be required to attend.
Confirmed panellists:
- Thomas Pope, Deputy Chief Economist, Institute for Government (Chair)
- Kim McGuiness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner
- Akash Paun, Programme Director, Institute for Government
- Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region
- Professor Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice, The University of Manchester
Conservative Party Conference
1 October - 4 October 2023
In partnership with Centre for Cities
Monday 2 October, 10.00 - 11.00am
Main Hall, Friends Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS
Economic inactivity is above pre-pandemic levels - UK unemployment triples when including economically inactive people. This hidden unemployment is widening the inequality gap, compounding problems in the north and creating new problems in the south. Join us at this panel discussion to explore the drivers of economic inactivity across different regions and demographics, and how to address the inactivity challenge.
Confirmed panellists:
- Andrew Carter, Chief Executive, Centre for Cities (Chair)
- Ben Harrison, Director, The Work Foundation
- Jo Bibby, Director of Health, The Health Foundation
- Dr Elaine Dewhurst, Senior Lecturer in Employment Law, The University of Manchester
- Cllr James Jamieson OBE, Central Bedfordshire Council and former Chair of the LGA
In partnership with Total Politics
Monday 2 October, 10.15 - 11.15am
Derby Suite, Midland Hotel, Manchester M60 2DS
Please note that this event will take place inside the secure zone and a conference pass will be required to attend.
Join us as we explore the role of innovation in creating a resilient UK economy with better productivity, growth and living standards. By innovating in key sectors, we can meet both environmental and societal challenges and become one of the most innovative economies in the world.
Confirmed panellists:
- Tali Fraser, The House Magazine (Chair)
- Aaron Bell MP, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme
- George Freeman MP, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation
- Lou Cordwell, Chair of the GM Business Board and Director of ID Manchester
- Professor Richard Jones, Vice President for Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement, The University of Manchester
Monday 2 October, 11.15am - 12.15pm
Upper Hall, Friends Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS
Approximately one in six young people experience high levels of emotional difficulties that are likely to warrant significant additional support. A number of factors can impact wellbeing, and the neighbourhood in which a young person lives is one of them. What's needed to support young people in neighbourhoods with lower levels of wellbeing?
Confirmed panellists:
- Mark Rowland, Chief Executive, Mental Health Foundation (Chair)
- Professor Neil Humphrey, Professor of Psychology of Education, The University of Manchester
- Rukshana Kapasi, Director of Health, Barnardo's
- Dr Layla McCay, Director of Policy, NHS Confederation
- Chloe Schendel-Wilson, Director, Disability Policy Centre
In partnership with WMREDI
Monday 2 October, 1.00 - 2.00pm
Upper Hall, Friends Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS
To accelerate innovation and deliver greater place-based, inclusive growth future policy must encompass an innovation strategy that works for all. Join us to discuss the policy insights, lessons learnt and policy recommendations from Innovation Accelerator Pilots in Glasgow, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.
Confirmed panellists:
- Thomas Pope, Deputy Chief Economist, Institute for Government (Chair)
- Chris Clarkson, MP for Heywood and Middleton and member of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
- Professor Richard Jones, Vice President for Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement, The University of Manchester
- Rebecca Riley, Associate Professor, Enterprise, Engagement and Impact, WMREDI/City-REDI
- Sophie Walton, Director of Strategic Partnerships, CPI
In partnership with Social Market Foundation
Monday 2 October, 1.00 - 2.00pm
Private Room 17, Radisson Edwardian Manchester M2 5GP
Join us to hear from a panel of experts on how we can address negative care pathways often experienced by Black and Minority Ethnic patients in mental healthcare and improve outcomes for everyone. Featuring research and case studies from The University of Manchester.
Confirmed panellists:
- Dr Aveek Bhattacharya, Interim Director, Social Market Foundation (Chair)
- Emma Best AM, London Assembly
- Professor Dawn Edge, Professor of Mental Health and Inclusivity, The University of Manchester
- Samuel Kasumu, Former Number 10 Advisor
- Dean Russell MP, Chair of the APPG on Mental Health
- Dr Lade Smith CBE, President, Royal College of Psychiatrists
Tuesday 3 October, 10.00 - 11.00am
Upper Hall, Friends Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS
It is places, and not people, which have been de-skilled. So if levelling up is a meaningful long-term project, decision makers must rethink the approach to education in areas which have been 'left behind' by decades of decline. Can a new place-focussed education strategy match skills with jobs to create a high-skilled and high-wage local economy?
Confirmed panellists:
- Anne Longfield CBE, Former Children's Commissioner, currenlty chair of Commission on Young Lives (Chair)
- Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
- Dr Eric Lybeck, Senior Lecturer, The University of Manchester
- Mary Robinson, MP for Cheadle and member of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee
- Matt Leach, Chief Executive, Local Trust
Tuesday 3 October, 11.30am - 12.30pm
Upper Hall, Friends Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS
Technological advances have benefitted from a plentiful supply of cheap energy. But our energy habits are no longer cheap nor plentiful. The transition away from fossil fuels is leading to an intermittent and less diversified energy mix. What choices must the UK make to strengthen our energy security and boost energy resilience into the long-term?
Confirmed panellists:
- Nina Skorupska CBE, Chief Executive, The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (Chair)
- Rachel Brisley, Head of Energy, IPSOS
- David Duguid, MP for Banff and Buchan
- Adam Berman, Deputy Director for Advocacy, Energy UK
- Professor Maria Sharmina, Professor in Energy and Sustainability, The University of Manchester
Tuesday 3 October, 3.30 - 4.30pm
Upper Hall, Friends Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS
Our urban transport problem costs the UK economy more than £23 billion a year. 57% of the working age population live in areas with low public transport access to jobs - transport inequality is locking them out of employment, training opportunities and even social activities. So is better transport the engine for economic growth?
Confirmed panellists:
- Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester (Chair)
- Graham Vidler, Chief Executive Officer, The Confederation of Passenger Transport
- Jane Collins, Director, Arup
- Professor Philip McCann, Chair of Urban and Regional Economics, The University of Manchester
- Cllr Rob Waltham MBE, Leader, North Lincolnshire Council
- Sheona Southern, Director, Marketing Manchester
In partnership with Institute for Government
Tuesday 3 October, 3.45 - 4.45pm
Exchange 4 & 5, Manchester Central M2 3GX
Please note that this event will take place inside the secure zone and a conference pass will be required to attend.
Confirmed panellists:
- Thomas Pope, Deputy Chief Economist, Institute for Government (Chair)
- Jack Brereton, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South
- Cllr Abi Brown, Councillor, Meir Park Ward, Stoke-on-Trent City Council
- Akash Paun, Programme Director, Institute for Government
- Professor Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice, The University of Manchester
In Partnership with Education Policy Institute and UCAS
Tuesday 3rd October, 19:30-21:00
This event is by invitation only, to request a ticket please get in touch at reception@epi.org.uk.
This reception will consider what role the Higher Education sector can play in supporting the growth of their communities and ensuring opportunities and talent are developed in local areas to achieve the national goal of levelling up. Please arrive promptly by 7:40pm for speeches.
Speakers:
- John Holden, Associate Vice-President for Major Special Projects, The University of Manchester
- Fiona Johnston, Chief Product Officer, UCAS
- Natalie Perera, Chief Executive, EPI