Our Head of External Affairs, David Lydiat, reflects on what he heard and engaged with at this autumn’s Conservative and Labour Party Conferences
Party Conference season is always a unique opportunity to listen, engage, and advocate for the recognition of community ownership. With the political landscape shifting and rural communities often at risk of being overlooked, I headed to both the Labour Conference in Liverpool and the Conservative Conference in Manchester to make sure the voices of Plunkett’s community business members were heard loud and clear.
The party conference season began with the Government’s Pride in Place initiative announcement. While the ambition to invest in local pride is welcome, our concern remains that rural communities are too often left out of these conversations. Our Chief Executive, James Alcock, provided this reaction to the news, and I shared that message into every room and panel I joined.
Labour Conference: ensuring rural isn’t left behind
In Liverpool, I was pleased to raise the rural perspective during a panel titled: Can Labour deliver on reviving local places through heritage? alongside Baroness Twycross, Patrick Hurley MP, the National Trust, the Architectural Heritage Fund, and More in Common.
The discussion centred on how different social groups connect to their communities, and I asked the panel directly: how can we ensure rural areas aren’t left behind in initiatives like Pride in Place? The response was encouraging – there was agreement that rural voters matter, and that their communities must be part of the national conversation.
Beyond the panel, I had a constructive conversation with a representative from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award about how we might involve more young people in community-owned businesses. At Plunkett, one of our impact areas is how community-owned businesses create opportunities for employment and volunteering – especially for young people in rural areas. It’s an area we’re keen to grow and strengthen, making this an exciting prospect for future collaboration.
One of our key placemaking partners – Thakeham
I also had the chance to speak with Defra Ministers Mary Creagh MP and Angela Eagle MP, who’s newly in post. I handed over a Plunkett calling card and shared our mission to support thriving rural communities through community ownership.
An insightful discussion came during a session with the Local Government Association and MHCLG Ministers Alison McGovern MP and Baroness Taylor. We discussed the English Devolution Bill, which includes proposals to strengthen a community’s right to buy – something Plunkett has long championed.
I also met with the Land Trust to explore shared interests in new community projects, and attended the Power to Change reception, where it was inspiring to see the impact of community groups and to connect with colleagues from Better Society Capital.
David with Shadow Minister Robbie Moore MP
Conservative Conference: discussing the rural economy
At the Conservative Rural Forum reception, I spoke with Defra Shadow Secretary Victoria Atkins MP and Shadow Minister Robbie Moore MP, who’s sponsoring our upcoming sector report launch and parliamentary reception. We discussed the vital role of community-owned businesses in remote rural areas and found common ground with organisations like the Countryside Alliance and RABI.
I listened to a panel discussion with EFRA Committee MP Sarah Bool and journalists from The Spectator and Express to discuss the rural economy and the challenges facing these communities. Later, at a Centre for Policy Studies panel, experts debated the upcoming budget and the Chancellor’s room for manoeuvre.
One announcement that caught my attention came from Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride MP: a future Conservative government would abolish business rates for shops and pubs on high streets. I’ve since sought clarification on what qualifies as a “high street” to understand how this might impact Plunkett’s members – particularly our community-owned pubs and shops.
At the Enterprise Forum reception and lunch, I had further conversations with Shadow Minister Alex Burghart and other stakeholders about the economy and business policy. I also attended a panel on co-operatives and mutuals alongside the Building Societies Association, Nationwide, Co-operatives UK and The British Association of British Credit Unions Limited. Here I raised questions about future funding and grants for community groups – especially in light of the closure of the Community Ownership Fund.
Join our movement – become a member today
Party conferences are more than policy announcements. They’re a chance to speak directly to decision-makers, build recognition for community ownership, and advocate for rural inclusion. Whether it’s through panels, receptions, or chance conversations in the corridors, Plunkett UK continues to be a voice for rural communities – and particularly our members.
Membership is the cornerstone of our work at Plunkett UK. Without our members, we would not be able to represent the interests of rural communities and champion community ownership across the UK with the media, funders, policy makers, and other stakeholders.
