With the May 2027 local elections approaching, Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham provided an important opportunity to put councillors at the heart of the Party's plans for the future.
Throughout Conference, the CCA brought together councillors, parliamentarians and campaigners to celebrate Conservative local government, shape future policy and strengthen our campaigning efforts ahead of the elections to come.
Sunday: Celebrating Conservative Local Government
The CCA began Conference by addressing National Convention, highlighting our work supporting councillors, candidates and Associations across the country.
Our annual Local Government Drinks Reception and CCA Awards, kindly sponsored by the LGA Conservative Group and Cavendish, brought together colleagues from across the Party to celebrate the outstanding contribution of Conservative councillors.
Congratulations to our 2026 award winners:
Councillor of the Year: Cllr Fiona Baker, Lifetime Achievement: Cllr Peter Golds, New Councillor of the Year: Cllr Hari Om, Campaigner of the Year: Cllr Clark Vasey
Monday: Shaping the Future of Local Government
The CCA joined forces with the Conservative Policy Forum (CPF) for a workshop on The Conservative Policy Vision for Local and Regional Government.
Councillors discussed the principles that should underpin Conservative local government policy, from local accountability and council structures to fairer funding and rewarding efficiency.
The session reinforced the importance of ensuring that those delivering services and representing residents locally help shape the Party's future policy direction.
Tuesday: Giving Councillors a Stronger Voice
Katie Lam MP delivered a keynote address launching the joint CCA–CPF consultation, The Conservative Vision for Local and Regional Government, with more information to come on this soon.
The consultation will give Conservative councillors a direct opportunity to influence the Party's future local government policy, drawing on their frontline experience. Further details on how to contribute will follow shortly.
The CCA also hosted Different Chambers, Same Goals: The CCA/Shadow MHCLG Q&A, giving councillors the opportunity to raise local challenges directly with the Shadow MHCLG team and strengthen the link between Westminster and local government.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for May 2027
Throughout Conference, the CCA team and Board welcomed members to the Councillors' Lounge, offering practical advice on campaigning, membership and the support available to Conservative councillors.
With 61% of Conservative councillors facing election in May 2027, our priority is clear: ensuring councillors, candidates and campaigners have the tools and support to fight effective local campaigns.
Our next major event is the Local Election Campaign Academy, taking place on 14–15 November at Oulton Hall, Leeds. The weekend will offer practical training on campaign strategy, literature, social media, data and doorstep campaigning, alongside opportunities to learn from fellow Conservatives across the country.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Birmingham. Conference may be over, but our work to strengthen Conservative local government and prepare for the elections ahead continues.
