Birmingham prepares to host the Conservative conference

Birmingham is preparing to welcome thousands of politicians, party members, journalists, lobbyists and campaigners for the Conservative Party conference, which opens at the International Convention Centre on Sunday.

The conference runs from Sunday 4 to Wednesday 7 October. It is the first Conservative conference since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister, and the party's leader, Kemi Badenoch, will be setting out her vision for the party's future.

A secure zone

As at previous conferences, a secure zone will be in place around the ICC, with restrictions on access for anyone without a conference pass. There will be road closures and parking restrictions around Broad Street, Centenary Square and nearby streets, and a visible police presence across the city centre.

People living and working nearby are advised to plan journeys in advance, allow extra time and check for travel updates. Public transport, including trains to New Street and Metro trams to Library and Brindleyplace, is likely to be the easiest way to get around.

Protests

Party conferences regularly attract demonstrations. Police say they respect the right to peaceful protest but will take action against anyone committing crimes. Officers can use special powers, such as conditions on protests and bans on face coverings, if they believe they are needed to prevent disorder.

A boost for the city

Conferences bring a large number of overnight visitors to the city, and hotels, restaurants, bars and taxis usually see a busy few days. The city's Convention Bureau has helped delegates book accommodation.

Business leaders say events like this showcase Birmingham to decision-makers from around the country. Hotels in the city have recently voted to create an Accommodation Business Improvement District, which from 2027 will raise money to attract more conferences and events.

Fringe events

Alongside the main conference hall, hundreds of fringe events will take place in the ICC and nearby hotels, organised by think tanks, charities, businesses, trade bodies and campaign groups. Topics range from the economy, housing and the NHS to technology, defence and the environment.

Many organisations use the conference to lobby politicians on issues that matter to them, and some Birmingham businesses and charities are taking part.

Birmingham and the Conservatives

The Conservatives have held their conference in Birmingham and Manchester in alternate years since 2008. The party has 16 of the 101 seats on Birmingham City Council after May's elections, and it is one of several opposition groups to the minority administration of Liberal Democrats, Greens and independent councillors.

The region's mayoralty was held by the Conservative Andy Street from 2017 to 2024, when he narrowly lost to Labour's Richard Parker.

What to watch

Mrs Badenoch is expected to set out new policies and a long-term blueprint for the party. Shadow cabinet ministers, including the shadow chancellor, Andrew Griffith, will also speak. The party will be keen to show it can offer an alternative to the Government ahead of the Budget on 28 October, and to win back voters from Reform UK.

Watching from home

Main speeches are usually broadcast live on BBC Parliament and streamed on news websites and the party's social media channels.

Volunteers and staff

Running a conference of this size takes hundreds of people, from venue staff, stewards and security teams to catering workers and technicians. Many of them are local, and the ICC, which hosts major conferences throughout the year, is one of the city centre's significant employers. Its location next to Centenary Square, the Library of Birmingham and the canal network makes it one of the busiest parts of the city during big events.