Labour Party Conference#2005 Brighton

Delegates to the conference are elected by Constituency Labour Parties, affiliated trade unions and socialist societies. Currently, affiliated trade unions hold 50% of the votes at the conference, down from 80% in the era before Tony Blair. Some 40% of the votes{{clarify|date=September 2019}} are wielded by the three largest trade unions (Unite, GMB, Unison).{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}

Resolutions for debate are put forward by CLPs and unions before the conference begins. Each CLP, Trade Union and Socialist Society may make one submission to Annual Conference, either a constitutional amendment (rule change) or a motion.{{Cite web |title=CLP Delegates at Conference |url=https://labour.org.uk/conference/clpdelegates/ |access-date=2023-08-30 |website=The Labour Party |language=en}}

CLPs, Trade Unions and Socialist Societies may submit emergency motions for consideration for debate by the Conference Arrangements Committee on urgent matters that have arisen since the deadline for motions.

File:2019 Labour South West Regional Conference, delegates voting.jpg

The National Executive Committee leads the conference (although the details of the conference, including what is debated, are managed by the Conference Arrangements Committee) and if it does not agree with a resolution, the committee may put pressure on the backers to withdraw or remit it. Remittance means that the resolution's backers agree to "send back" the resolution to the National Executive so that it can consider the matter in more detail; this is viewed by some as a mere delaying tactic. The resolutions voted upon are normally composites, meaning that they have been compiled by combining several resolutions put forward by different bodies into a single wording agreed beforehand.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}

Alongside the official business of Conference, there is an extensive fringe programme. The programme consists of a range of events including seminars, debates, workshops and receptions across the conference site and the host city.{{Cite web |title=Fringe at Labour's Annual Conference |url=https://labour.org.uk/conference/fringe-hub/what-is-fringe/ |access-date=2023-08-30 |website=The Labour Party |language=en}} These events are run by different organisations with many differing themes and topics of discussion.

Aneurin Bevan made a speech disavowing unilateral nuclear disarmament, claiming that it would send the government "naked into the conference chamber".{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

Nicolas Walter shouted "hypocrite" at Wilson in protest against support given by the government to US behaviour in the Vietnam War. Walter was bundled out of the venue, arrested, charged with "indecency in church" under the 1860 Ecclesiastical Courts Jurisdiction Act because Wilson was speaking in a church, and imprisoned for two months.{{Cite news |date=2005-10-01 |title=Labour's history of handling hecklers |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/oct/01/labourconference.labour |access-date=2023-10-22 |issn=0261-3077}}

Chancellor of the Exchequer Denis Healey announced his plans for a $3.9 billion loan from the IMF to tackle inflation, as well as continuing existing pay policies and public spending restraints.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

There was a minute's silence at the Conference in memory of Bill Shankly, former Liverpool FC manager and lifelong Labour supporter.{{cite news |date=30 November 2009 |title=Beginning a football revolution |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/liverpool/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_8386000/8386762.stm}} The deputy leadership election took place, with incumbent deputy Denis Healey narrowly defeating challenger Tony Benn.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

Neil Kinnock was elected party leader with 71% of the vote, following Labour's defeat in the June general election, succeeding Foot. Roy Hattersley joined him as deputy leader. In his speech, Kinnock stated that "we can enjoy fraternity between socialists and we must enjoy fidelity to socialism."{{Cite news |date=1983-10-02 |title=1983: 'Dream ticket' wins Labour leadership |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/2/newsid_2486000/2486483.stm |access-date=2023-10-12}} The editorial board of Militant were expelled.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

In his speech, Kinnock attacked Militant and their record in the leadership of Liverpool City Council, leading to a walkout led by Eric Heffer.James Naughtie, [http://century.guardian.co.uk/1980-1989/Story/0,6051,108249,00.html Labour in Bournemouth: Kinnock rounds on left's militants] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124811/https://www.theguardian.com/century/1980-1989/Story/0,6051,108249,00.html|date=18 November 2020}}, Guardian Unlimited, 2 October 1985. Retrieved 25 March 2007.

The rules for the election of the Parliamentary Committee were changed, expanding it to 18 seats, at least three of which were to be filled by women.{{Cite book |last1=Butler |first1=David |title=Twentieth-Century British Political Facts, 1900-2000 |last2=Butler |first2=Gareth |publisher=Springer |year=2016 |isbn=9781349627332 |edition=8th |pages=145–164 |language=en}}

For 1993, the rules for the Parliamentary Committee were amended again so four of its seats were to be filled by women.{{Cite book |last1=Butler |first1=David |title=Twentieth-Century British Political Facts, 1900-2000 |last2=Butler |first2=Gareth |publisher=Springer |year=2016 |isbn=9781349627332 |edition=8th |pages=145–164 |language=en}} Smith abolished the trade union block vote at Conference and replaced it with the one member, one vote method. He was praised by John Prescott for "putting his head on a block" in pushing the reforms through.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

The "New Labour" rebranding was officially unveiled.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

Featured Blair's "Young Country" speech.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

Featured Blair's "Education, Education and Education" speech.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}

The 2000 conference was held in Brighton from 24 to 28 September.{{Cite news |date=2000-09-24 |title=Blair comes out fighting |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2000/conferences/labour/939891.stm |access-date=2023-10-13}}

On 25 September, John Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister, made a speech stating that Labour would "take the Tories to the cleaners" in the next election, and called William Hague a "drunk in charge of a bandwagon."{{Cite news |date=2000-09-28 |title=Prescott rallies Labour troops |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2000/conferences/labour/945414.stm |access-date=2023-10-13}}{{Cite news |date=2000-09-25 |title=Prescott takes on the world |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2000/conferences/labour/941392.stm |access-date=2023-10-13}} On 27 September, delegates voted by a majority of nearly three-to-two in favour of a motion calling for the basic state pension to be linked to average earnings. Blair said that the government would not change its pension policies despite the vote.{{Cite news |date=2000-09-28 |title=Blair stands firm on pensions |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2000/conferences/labour/945962.stm |access-date=2023-10-13}} The international guest speaker was Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa. Closing the conference on 28 September, he made a speech condemning poverty and inequality and made an appeal concerning AIDS in South Africa.{{Cite news |date=2000-09-28 |title=Mandela thrills Labour conference |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2000/conferences/labour/946657.stm |access-date=2023-10-13}}

The 2001 conference took place in Brighton and began on 30 September.{{Cite news |last=Wintour |first=Patrick |date=2001-10-01 |title=Prescott forsakes banter to call for common purpose |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2001/oct/01/uk.september112 |access-date=2023-10-14 |issn=0261-3077}} On 25 September, Blair had stated he would recall Parliament from the recess for a day in order to keep MPs updated following the September 11 attacks, meaning the conference was rescheduled to end a day earlier than initially planned, on 3 October.{{Cite news |date=2001-09-25 |title=Parliament to be recalled |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/1561694.stm |access-date=2023-10-14}} The event was protected by a large security operation, including a five-mile air exclusion zone.{{Cite news |date=2001-09-30 |title=Peace protest targets Labour conference |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2001/conferences_2001/labour/1571806.stm |access-date=2023-10-14}} The international guest speaker was Gerhard Schröder, the Chancellor of Germany.{{cite news |date=18 February 2003 |title=Conference 2001: Labour |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2001/conferences_2001/labour/default.stm |url-status=live |access-date=7 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124849/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2001/conferences_2001/labour/default.stm |archive-date=18 November 2020}}

The conference began with a two-minute silence, an address from the Chief Fire Officers Association praising firefighters in New York, and a speech from culture secretary Tessa Jowell. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott also gave a speech, with The Guardian noting that he "dropped his usual party conference knock-about routine."

Blair's speech on 2 October focused mostly upon the fallout of September 11 and plans for the war in Afghanistan,{{Cite news |date=2001-10-02 |title=Blair's global vision |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2001/conferences_2001/labour/1575135.stm |access-date=2023-10-14}} while also paying some focus to a potential referendum on the introduction of the Euro.{{Cite news |date=2001-10-02 |title=Blair sounds a pro-euro note |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1575499.stm |access-date=2023-10-14}} It was praised by most U.S. newspapers, while European papers were less supportive; The New York Times stated that Blair was "America's most passionate and steadfast ally in the fight against terrorism," while Italian paper La Stampa said that "in some phases Blair has seemed to be tugging at Bush's jacket, so as to appear not so much the trusted friend but more the petulant friend, or even the irritating friend."{{Cite news |last=Dodd |first=Vikram |date=2001-10-04 |title=US papers praise Blair speech but others find fault |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/oct/04/politics.speeches |access-date=2023-10-14 |issn=0261-3077}} Blair also spoke of an international "Partnership for Africa", giving the private sector a larger role in public services,{{Cite news |date=2001-10-02 |title=Unions wary at Blair's reform pledge |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/uk_politics/2001/conferences_2001/labour/1575803.stm |access-date=2023-10-14}} and a potential review of student funding and tuition fees.{{Cite news |date=2001-10-02 |title=Blair hints at change in student fees |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/1575459.stm |access-date=2023-10-14}}

The 2002 event took place in the Winter Gardens complex in Blackpool,{{Cite news |date=2002-10-01 |title=Blair promises to be bolder |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/2289788.stm |access-date=2023-10-14}} and ran from 30 September to 3 October.{{Cite news |last=Watt |first=Nicholas |date=2002-09-30 |title=Government must push forward on euro referendum, says Blair |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2002/sep/30/uk.labourconference |access-date=2023-10-15 |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news |last=Wegg-Prosser |first=Benjamin |date=2002-10-03 |title=Today at the Labour conference |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2002/oct/03/labourconference.labour |access-date=2023-10-15 |issn=0261-3077}} Attendees included: pressure groups such as the Countryside Alliance, League Against Cruel Sports, and Anti-Nazi League; big business such as BNFL, BP, and BAE Systems; think tanks including the Fabian Society, 50 people from the Institute for Public Policy Research, and the Adam Smith Institute; the Confederation of British Industry; various media organisations; and observers from other political parties including the Iraqi National Congress, though the Socialist Workers Party claimed they were not let in.{{Cite news |date=2002-10-02 |title=Party central |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2002/oct/02/labourconference.labour2 |access-date=2023-10-15 |issn=0261-3077}}

In Blair's speech on 1 October, he pledged to "quicken the march of progress" in reforming the UK's public services, and said that Labour was "best at its boldest - and so far we've made a good start, but we've not been bold enough." He told the trade unions to "work with us," and said that the welfare state had led to a "monolithic provision of services," arguing for the use of private finance. He argued for the possibility of war with Iraq, and reiterated that there would be a referendum on joining the euro if economic tests were met. It ended with a four minute standing ovation.

The international guest speaker was Bill Clinton, former President of the United States of America, who spoke in a 50 minute address on 2 October. He used the speech to tell both President George W. Bush and Labour to continue working with the United Nations to solve the Iraq disarmament crisis. The speech was followed by a 2.5 minute standing ovation.{{Cite news |last=Wintour |first=Patrick |date=2002-10-03 |title=Clinton tells party Blair's the man to trust |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2002/oct/03/uk.usa1 |access-date=2023-10-15 |issn=0261-3077}}

2003 was Blair's tenth conference as leader, held in Bournemouth from 28 September to 2 October.{{Cite news |last=Watt |first=Nicholas |date=2003-09-29 |title=Blair pledges to plough on with reforms |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2003/sep/29/publicservices.politics |access-date=2023-10-15 |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news |last1=White |first1=Michael |last2=Maguire |first2=Kevin |date=2003-10-03 |title=Prescott urges Labour to unite |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2003/oct/03/publicservices.politics |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0261-3077}} It was chaired by Ian McCartney.{{Cite news |last=Wintour |first=Patrick |date=2003-09-27 |title=Upbeat chairman promises party shake-up to revitalise grassroots |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/sep/27/uk.labourconference2 |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0261-3077}}

On 28 September, Blair stated that he would continue pushing for foundation hospitals and university top-up fees, though a potential deal between the government and Unison concerning foundation hospitals, which was due to be announced in Blair's keynote speech, collapsed that night.{{Cite news |last1=Wintour |first1=Patrick |last2=Maguire |first2=Kevin |date=2003-09-29 |title=Unison deal with No 10 falls through |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/sep/29/uk.society |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0261-3077}} Delegates initially voted to leave the Iraq War off the conference agenda entirely, instead staging emergency debates on the NHS, employment rights and pensions.{{Cite news |last=White |first=Michael |date=2003-09-29 |title=Don't mention the war: anger as Iraq is kept off Labour agenda |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/sep/29/uk.iraq2 |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0261-3077}} On 29 September at a fringe event, former House of Commons leader Robin Cook made a speech criticising Blair's rejection of plans for a partly elected House of Lords.{{Cite news |last=Watt |first=Nicholas |date=2003-09-29 |title=Cook's 'shame' at Lords plan |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/sep/29/uk.labourconference |access-date=2023-10-15 |issn=0261-3077}} On 30 September, Gordon Brown was seen to put pressure on Blair in a speech, promising extra spending on public services, without directly attacking him.{{Cite news |last1=White |first1=Michael |last2=Elliott |first2=Larry |date=2003-09-30 |title=Bold Brown edges away from Blair |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/sep/30/uk.labourconference5 |access-date=2023-10-15 |issn=0261-3077}} Culture secretary Tessa Jowell, announced plans to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Normandy D-Day landings,{{Cite news |last=Nicholls |first=Martin |date=2003-09-29 |title=Jowell sets out plans for D-Day anniversary |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/sep/29/labourconference.labour9 |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0261-3077}} and deputy prime minister John Prescott announced that 1,600 houses were to be built in the South East.{{Cite news |last=Nicholls |first=Martin |date=2003-09-29 |title=Prescott: 1,600 new homes for south-east |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2003/sep/29/housingpolicy.labour2003 |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0261-3077}}

Blair also made his speech on the 30th, which received a record 7.5 minute standing ovation.{{Cite news |last=Happold |first=Tom |date=2003-09-30 |title=Blair: time for renewal not retreat |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/sep/30/labourconference.labour4 |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0261-3077}} During the speech, he listed Labour's achievements, dismissed a new top rate of income tax, stated that it "wouldn't be fair" if education funding came from the taxpayer, attacked those opposed to foundation hospitals, advocated pluralism in the public sector, and defended his decision to go to war in Iraq.

On 1 October, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) attempted to force an emergency vote on the Iraq War onto the agenda which called "for the withdrawal of coalition troops", but this failed.{{Cite news |last=Happold |first=Tom |date=2003-10-01 |title=RMT fails to force Iraq vote |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/oct/01/labourconference.labour8 |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0261-3077}} The party leadership allowed a vote to go ahead concerning a section in a party policy document that recorded the Iraq War's chronology instead, with RMT stating that "the proposed vote will be meaningless".{{Cite news |last1=Maguire |first1=Kevin |last2=Carvel |first2=John |date=2003-10-01 |title=Iraq vote unlikely to satisfy critics |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/oct/01/uk.labourconference3 |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0261-3077}} Blair's side won the Iraq vote,{{Cite news |last=Tempest |first=Matthew |date=2003-10-01 |title=Blair wins Iraq conference vote |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2003/oct/01/labourconference.labour3 |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0261-3077}} but lost two votes on foundation hospitals and the NHS among delegates.{{Cite news |date=2003-10-01 |title=Blair defeated over health plans |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3154346.stm |access-date=2023-10-18}}{{Cite news |last1=Happold |first1=Tom |last2=Mulholland |first2=Helene |date=2003-10-01 |title=Defeat for Blair on foundation hospitals |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2003/oct/01/hospitals.nhs20002 |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0261-3077}} Over 86% of delegates also voted in favour of allowing people in Northern Ireland to become party members.{{Cite news |date=2003-10-01 |title=Labour NI ban overturned |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/3154222.stm |access-date=2023-10-18}} The international guest speaker to address conference on the 1st was Hamid Karzai, the first President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.{{Cite news |date=2003-10-01 |title=Karzai to seek new term |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3154408.stm |access-date=2023-10-18}}{{Cite news |agency=Press Association |date=2003-10-01 |title=Karzai hails Afghanistan campaign |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/oct/01/afghanistan.labourconference |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0261-3077}}

To end the conference on 2 October, Prescott told the party in a speech to stop "tearing ourselves apart," after unions forced ministers to accept a motion on compulsory employer pension contributions. The Red Flag was sung for the first time at the conference since 1999, alongside Jerusalem.

The 2004 party conference was held in Brighton and ran from 26 to 30 September, again chaired by Ian McCartney.{{Cite news |date=2004-09-29 |title=Labour conference diary |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3694758.stm |access-date=2023-10-18}}{{Cite news |last1=White |first1=Michael |last2=Hall |first2=Sarah |date=2004-10-01 |title=Big unions save Blair on Iraq |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/oct/01/uk.iraq1 |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news |date=2004-09-26 |title=Blair: I'm not the wobbling sort |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3687662.stm |access-date=2023-10-18}} The conference rejected a call for withdrawal from Iraq, but accepted a resolution calling for renationalisation of the railways; the leadership declared that it would ignore this.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

During his speech on 29 September, Blair was interrupted shortly after he started speaking by anti-war protester Hector Christie, who shouted "you've got blood on your hands," speaking of the Iraq War. Blair stated that the protester was lucky to be free to voice the protest. Around 15 to 20 minutes later, about six pro-hunting demonstrators shouted and set off rape alarms on the balcony above. All protesters were escorted away by police.{{Cite news |last=Hall |first=Sarah |date=2004-09-29 |title=Protesters breach Blair's defences |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/sep/29/uk.labourconference4 |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news |last=Gecsoyler |first=Sammy |date=2023-10-10 |title=Glitter, a P45 and hecklers: the art of interrupting a conference speech |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/oct/10/glitter-a-p45-and-hecklers-art-of-interrupting-a-party-conference-speech |access-date=2023-10-18 |issn=0261-3077}}

The conference was addressed on 30 September by the Irish rock star Bono who called for more action to combat the spread of AIDS and the debt problems African countries.{{Cite news |last=Wheeler |first=Brian |date=2004-09-30 |title=Bono pushes the right buttons |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3701414.stm |access-date=2023-10-18}}

The 2005 conference was held in Brighton from 26 until 29 September and followed Labour's success in the 2005 general election.{{Cite news |last1=White |first1=Michael |last2=Wintour |first2=Patrick |date=2005-09-26 |title=Leadership team prepares for battle with unions |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2005/sep/26/labour2005.politics |access-date=2023-10-22 |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news |date=2005-09-29 |title=Today in Brighton |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/sep/29/uk.labourconference2 |access-date=2023-10-22 |issn=0261-3077}} Over the course of the conference, over 600 people were held under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which allows for stop and search to be carried out by the police. This included Walter Wolfgang, an 82-year-old peace activist and refugee from Nazi Germany who was removed from the conference for shouting the word "nonsense" at a speech on Iraq by Jack Straw, and later detained under the Act when he tried to get back in. None of those held were arrested nor charged. Labour issued an apology to Wolfgang, and he was cheered when he returned the next day.{{Cite news |date=2005-09-28 |title=Labour issues apology to heckler |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4291388.stm |access-date=2023-10-18}}{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/uk/over-600-held-under-terror-act-at-labour-conference-1-1098792 |title=Over 600 held under terror act at Labour conference |publisher=Johnston Publishing |work=Scotsman.com |date=3 October 2005 |access-date=7 October 2014 |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124819/https://www.scotsman.com/news/uk-news/over-600-held-under-terror-act-labour-conference-2471111 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2005-09-29 |title=Labour welcomes back Iraq heckler |work=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe/09/29/labour.heckler/index.html |access-date=2023-10-18}}

In 2006 the conference was held in Manchester at the G-Mex and Manchester International Conference Centre from 24 to 28 September. It was the first time since 1974 that the main Labour conference was not held at a seaside town and the first time since 1917 the Labour conference had been held in Manchester. This followed Labour's Spring 2004 conference which was held at the G-Mex for the first time. The conference was Blair's last as leader after he stated this would be the case just before the conference and at the conference itself. The start of the conference was marked with protests against the Iraq War.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

St Johns C.E. Primary School's steel band performed before Blair came on stage{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}} for his last speech to conference as party leader and prime minister. In the speech, he praised the work of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, though did not explicitly support him as a potential successor.{{cite news | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/5380004.stm | title =It's hard to let go, admits Blair | date =26 September 2006 | work =BBC News | access-date =12 May 2007 | archive-date =18 November 2020 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124853/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5380004.stm | url-status =live }}{{Cite news |date=2006-09-26 |title=Blair's emotional farewell |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5381718.stm |access-date=2023-10-22}}

The conference was addressed in a joint session by Labour's Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone and the Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa on the subject of climate change. Bob Geldof and Monica Naggaga from Oxfam (Uganda) spoke together about Africa.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}} The main international guest speaker was the former US President Bill Clinton on 27 September.{{Cite news |date=2006-09-27 |title=Clinton hits the right buttons |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2006/sep/27/labourconference.labour4 |access-date=2023-10-22 |issn=0261-3077}} Another international visitor – but not a speaker to the conference – was Shimon Peres, the former Prime Minister of Israel.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

The 2007 conference was held in the Bournemouth International Centre from 23 to 27 September. The conference was the first with Gordon Brown as leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister, and he laid out his plans for his premiership. It was a first conference for Harriet Harman as Deputy Leader.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

File:Gordon Brown - Labour Party Conference 2008.jpg

The 2008 conference was held between 20 and 24 September in Manchester at Manchester Central (formerly G-Mex). The opening day of conference was moved from Sunday to Saturday to allow people who work during the week to attend. The Labour leader and Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, delivered his keynote address on 23 September.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

The 2009 conference was held in Brighton from 27 September to 1 October 2009. It saw an address from Peter Mandelson, given on 28 September, in which he claimed that Labour was in "the fight of our lives" as the next general election approached.{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8279053.stm|title= Election up for grabs – Mandelson|work= BBC News|date= 28 September 2009|access-date= 30 September 2009|archive-date= 18 November 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124835/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8279053.stm|url-status= live}} Gordon Brown gave his keynote address to the conference on the afternoon of 29 September, saying that Labour was "not done yet".{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8279701.stm|title= We're not done yet, insists Brown|work= BBC News|date= 29 September 2009|access-date= 30 September 2009|archive-date= 18 November 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124835/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8279701.stm|url-status= live}} Shortly afterwards, The Sun announced it would withdraw its support for Labour, and gave its backing to the Conservatives.{{cite news|url= http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6855370.ece|title= Labour fails to conceal its anger after The Sun switches to support Conservatives|publisher= Times Newspapers Limited|work= Times Online|first= Phillipe|last= Naughton|date= 30 September 2009|access-date= 30 September 2009|archive-date= 18 November 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124814/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/|url-status= dead}}{{subscription required}} Union leader and Labour supporter Tony Woodley responded by tearing up a copy of that edition of The Sun, telling the audience that "in Liverpool, we learnt a long time ago what to do. I suggest the rest of the country should do exactly the same thing",{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8282535.stm |title=Harman turns fire on Sun decision |work=BBC News |date=30 September 2009 |access-date=26 September 2011 |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124855/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8282535.stm |url-status=live }} in reference to the hostility felt in Liverpool towards The Sun following its controversial allegations about the behaviour of Liverpool FC supporters in the Hillsborough disaster 20 years earlier.{{cite news |author1=Owen Gibson |author2=Helen Carter |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/apr/18/hillsborough-anniversary-sun-newspaper |title=Hillsborough: 20 years on, Liverpool has still not forgiven the newspaper it calls 'The Scum' |publisher=Guardian News and Media |work=The Guardian |date=18 April 2009 |access-date=26 September 2011 |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124531/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/apr/18/hillsborough-anniversary-sun-newspaper |url-status=live }}

File:Ed Miliband at Labour Party Conference 2010.jpg

Shortly after losing the 2010 general election to the Conservatives, following a Liberal Democrat coalition, the 2010 Conference took place at Manchester Central conference centre{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/sep/25/labour-leadership-result-candidates-manchester|title=Labour leadership result: candidates head to Manchester to hear verdict|date=25 September 2010|work=The Guardian|access-date=7 October 2014|publisher=Guardian News and Media|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124531/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/sep/25/labour-leadership-result-candidates-manchester|url-status=live}} between 26 and 30 September.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}} The conference started with the announcement of the results of the 2010 leadership election and was Ed Miliband's first conference as leader. In his first major speech as leader on 28 September, Miliband told delegates that his "new generation" would return the party to power.{{cite news|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11417906|title= Ed Miliband tells Labour: We're the optimists now|publisher= BBC|work= BBC News|first= Emma|last= Griffiths|date= 28 September 2010|access-date= 28 September 2010|archive-date= 28 September 2010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100928045219/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11417906|url-status= live}} The following day David Miliband announced he would not be serving in his brother's shadow cabinet, although he would continue as an MP.{{cite news|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11432762|title= David Miliband says he won't join brother Ed's team|publisher= BBC|work= BBC News|date= 29 September 2010|access-date= 3 October 2010|archive-date= 29 September 2010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100929043734/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11432762|url-status= live}} Other highlights of the conference included activists condemning the coalition government's proposed public spending cuts as "obscene" on 27 September,{{cite news|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11422247|title= Labour activists reject 'obscene' coalition cuts|publisher= BBC|work= BBC News|first= Brian|last= Wheeler|date= 27 September 2010|access-date= 3 October 2010|archive-date= 1 October 2010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101001051043/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11422247|url-status= live}} and a close of conference address from Harriet Harman in which she told delegates that Ed Miliband would "fortify" the party.{{cite news|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11441103|title= Harriet Harman says Labour 'fortified' by new leader|publisher= BBC|work= BBC News|first= Emma|last= Griffiths|date= 30 September 2010|access-date= 3 October 2010|archive-date= 18 November 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124855/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-11441103|url-status= live}}

The 2011 Conference took place in Liverpool from 25 to 29 September. It was the first time since 1925 that Labour had held its conference there.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}} On 26 September delegates voted to scrap the tradition of Shadow Cabinet elections.{{cite news |last=King |first=Victoria |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15054351 |title=Labour delegates vote to scrap shadow cabinet elections |work=BBC News |date=26 September 2011 |access-date=26 September 2011 |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124851/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-15054351 |url-status=live }} Miliband's keynote speech on 27 September suffered a five-minute blackout after all media communications were lost.{{cite news|url= http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2011/09/27/labour-leader-ed-miliband-s-keynote-speech-attacks-tories-and-promises-new-bargain-despite-broadcast-black-out-from-liverpool-100252-29495983/|title= Labour leader Ed Miliband's keynote speech attacks Tories and promises 'new bargain' despite broadcast black-out from Liverpool|publisher= Trinity Mirror|work= Liverpool Echo|date= 27 September 2011|access-date= 29 September 2011|archive-date= 18 November 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124854/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/labour-leader-ed-milibands-keynote-3366307|url-status= live}}

The 2012 Conference was held at Manchester Central conference centre, from 30 September to 4 October.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

On 30 September, Miliband was interviewed on The Andrew Marr Show, with Marr particularly questioning his image, leadership appeal and popularity. Harvard professor Michael Sandel delivered a lecture to conference on predistribution as an economic goal, which Miliband had mentioned in his 2011 conference speech. He attended at least 30 fringe events on 1 October, including a Friends of Europe event with Eddie Izzard.{{Cite journal |last1=Gaffney |first1=John |last2=Lahel |first2=Amarjit |date=2013-10-01 |title=Political Performance and Leadership Persona: The UK Labour Party Conference of 2012 |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0017257X13000237/type/journal_article |journal=Government and Opposition |language=en |volume=48 |issue=4 |pages=481–505 |doi=10.1017/gov.2013.23 |s2cid=145435238 |issn=0017-257X}}

On 2 October, Miliband made his keynote speech themed around the new One Nation Labour branding. It was the first speech in around twenty years to be delivered by a Labour leader without the use of an autocue, enabling him to walk up and down the stage while maintaining audience eye contact, replicating the style of David Cameron's Conservative leadership bid in 2005.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/miliband-ditches-the-autocue-for-his-labour-conference-speech-but-who-planted-the-tree-8194625.html|title=Miliband ditches the autocue for his Labour Conference speech, but who planted the tree?|work=The Independent newspaper|author=Andy McSmith|date=2 October 2012|access-date=15 April 2015|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124844/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/miliband-ditches-autocue-his-labour-conference-speech-who-planted-tree-8194625.html|url-status=live}} Miliband also made use of humour in approximately 20% of the speech, more than in his previous speeches. It received an overwhelmingly positive reaction from the press.

On 3 October, Miliband led a question and answer session for about 3,000 delegates and members.

The 2013 Conference took place in Brighton from 22 to 25 September at the Brighton Centre.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

A special conference was held at ExCeL London on 1 March to approve rule changes arising from former general-secretary Ray Collins review of party reform. The changes included replacing the electoral college system for selecting new leaders with a "one member, one vote" system. Mass membership would be encouraged by allowing "registered supporters" to join at a low cost, as well as full membership. Members from the trade unions would also have to explicitly "opt in" rather than "opt out" of paying a political levy to Labour.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tony-blair-backs-ed-milibands-internal-labour-reforms-9161291.html |title=Tony Blair backs Ed Miliband's internal Labour reforms |author=Andrew Grice |newspaper=The Independent |date=28 February 2014 |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-date=22 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822220516/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tony-blair-backs-ed-milibands-internal-labour-reforms-9161291.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/mar/01/labour-votes-on-membershipunion-reforms-at-special-conference-politics-live-blog |title=Miliband wins vote on Labour party reforms with overwhelming majority |author=Andrew Sparrow |newspaper=The Guardian |date=1 March 2014 |access-date=24 August 2015 |archive-date=23 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923120123/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2014/mar/01/labour-votes-on-membershipunion-reforms-at-special-conference-politics-live-blog |url-status=live }}{{cite report |url=http://action.labour.org.uk/page/-/Collins_Report_Party_Reform.pdf |title=The Collins Review into Labour Party Reform |author=Ray Collins |publisher=Labour Party |date=February 2014 |access-date=25 August 2015 |archive-date=18 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518102414/http://action.labour.org.uk/page/-/Collins_Report_Party_Reform.pdf |url-status=live }}

The 2014 Conference was held in Manchester from 21 to 24 September at Manchester Central conference centre.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}} Ed Miliband was criticised by his colleagues for not mentioning the deficit and immigration in his Conference address, despite having promised to do so in his pre-speech press release.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/sep/24/ed-miliband-deficit-unite-len-mccluskey-labour|title=Miliband under fire from his own side for forgetting to mention deficit|work=The Guardian|author1=Nicholas Watt|author2=Patrick Wintour|author3=Rowena Mason|author4=Alan Travis|date=24 September 2014|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124539/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/sep/24/ed-miliband-deficit-unite-len-mccluskey-labour|url-status=live}}

The results of the leadership and deputy leadership elections were announced prior to the annual conference on 12 September at a short Special Conference in Westminster, London, in which Jeremy Corbyn was elected leader of the party.{{Cite news |last1=Wintour |first1=Patrick |last2=Mason |first2=Rowena |date=2015-09-10 |title=Voting closes in Labour leadership election |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/sep/10/labour-leadership-liz-kendall-urges-party-accept-result-voting-closes |access-date=2023-10-22 |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news |last1=Addley |first1=Esther |last2=O'Carroll |first2=Lisa |date=2015-09-18 |title=Jeremy Corbyn: how he fared in his first week as Labour leader |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/sep/18/jeremy-corbyn-how-he-fared-in-his-first-week-as-labour-leader |access-date=2023-10-22 |issn=0261-3077}}

The 2015 conference took place in Brighton between 27 September and 30 September.{{cite web |url=http://www.labour.org.uk/pages/faqs_annual_conference |title=Frequently Asked Questions |access-date=28 May 2015 |publisher=Labour Party |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124858/https://labour.org.uk/conference/ |url-status=live }} Corbyn reinstated the use of the Autocue, three years after it had been abandoned by Miliband. It was the first time that Corbyn had used one to deliver a speech.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/Jeremy_Corbyn/11888959/Jeremy-Corbyn-starts-to-learn-to-use-an-autocue-five-days-before-his-big-conference-speech.html|title=Jeremy Corbyn starts to learn to use an Autocue - five days before his big conference speech|work=The Telegraph|first=Christopher|last=Hope|date=24 September 2015|access-date=31 October 2015|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124541/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/Jeremy_Corbyn/11888959/Jeremy-Corbyn-starts-to-learn-to-use-an-autocue-five-days-before-his-big-conference-speech.html|url-status=live}}

File:Andy Burnham and Jeremy Corbyn, 2016 Labour Party Conference.jpg

The 2016 Conference took place at ACC Liverpool; it started on 25 September and ran until Wednesday 28 September.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}} The result of the 2016 leadership election was announced the previous day, with Jeremy Corbyn being re-elected.{{cite web |url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/sep/28/ten-things-we-learned-from-the-labour-party-conference-momentum |title= Ten things we learned from the Labour party conference |author= Andrew Sparrow |work= The Guardian |date= 28 September 2016 |access-date= 17 July 2019 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124542/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/sep/28/ten-things-we-learned-from-the-labour-party-conference-momentum |url-status= live }} The conference heard impassioned pleas from Deputy Leader Tom Watson and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan for unity and a need for the party to gain power. Because of the second leadership election in two years and the divisive ideological discussions, there was concern about a fraught atmosphere at the conference. However, delegates and elected representatives came together in harmony on many issues, including opposition to plans for grammar school expansions, a 'hard Brexit' and on accepting more unaccompanied child refugees into Britain.{{cite web |url= https://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/sep/22/labour-and-liverpool-the-city-that-reveals-cracks-in-party |title= Labour & Liverpool: the city that reveals the cracks in the party |author= Ewen MacAskill |work= The Guardian |date= 22 September 2016 |access-date= 17 July 2019 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124721/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/sep/22/labour-and-liverpool-the-city-that-reveals-cracks-in-party |url-status= live }}{{cite web |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37449626 |title= At-a-glance: Guide to Labour 2016 conference agenda |publisher= BBC News |date= 24 September 2016 |access-date= 17 July 2019 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124904/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-37449626 |url-status= live }} Part of Corbyn's platform for the second leadership election was accepting the result of the EU referendum that year, though there were motions and debates on Europe and the prospect of a second referendum.{{cite news |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-conference-live-second-eu-referendum-jeremy-corbyn-owen-smith-motion-a7332836.html |title= Labour conference backs motion on holding second EU referendum |author= Jon Stone |work= The Independent |date= 27 September 2016 |access-date= 17 July 2019 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124545/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-conference-live-second-eu-referendum-jeremy-corbyn-owen-smith-motion-a7332836.html |url-status= live }} The first year of The World Transformed, a festival hosted by the left-wing grassroots campaigning group Momentum, took place in the city at the same time as the conference.

The 2017 Conference took place at the Brighton Centre in Brighton and had 13,000 attendees from Sunday 24 September to Wednesday 27 September 2017.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}} The conference atmosphere was regarded as positive, following the relative successes of the party at the 2017 general election.

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson announced a number of policy plans concerning gambling, including forcing gambling companies to pay a levy to fund research, NHS treatment to help problem gamblers deal with their addiction, and banning football clubs from signing shirt sponsorship deals with betting companies.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/live/2017/sep/26/labour-conference-2017-former-scottish-labour-leader-says-corbyn-partly-to-blame-for-brexit-politics-live?page=with:block-59ca8627e4b021792a4faa50#block-59ca8627e4b021792a4faa50|title=Labour conference: Corbyn says Brexit has some 'positives' and he's not planning second referendum - live|date=26 September 2017|website=The Guardian|access-date=1 October 2017|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124550/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/live/2017/sep/26/labour-conference-2017-former-scottish-labour-leader-says-corbyn-partly-to-blame-for-brexit-politics-live?page=with%3Ablock-59ca8627e4b021792a4faa50#block-59ca8627e4b021792a4faa50|url-status=live}} The conference cut the number of politicians from the program in order to let more regular party members to have slots. One example that received media attention was a speech by Lauren Stocks, a 16-year-old student from Greater Manchester. Commentators quickly drew parallels with William Hague's 1977 Conservative conference, which he delivered when he was also 16. Stocks spoke about the effects of recent changes to exams, and argued that:

There's a statistic we were shown when I was about 13 or 14 that told me 3 in 10 people in every classroom suffer with a mental illness. Now I'm going to be a bit frank here conference. That is bollocks! It's a good half ... I could've walked into any food tech, history, art, maths classroom and just watched seas of spaced-out, stressed-out, depressed kids, in a battlefield where they can't afford pens and paper! ... It is a disgusting sight and we cannot sit on our hands any longer!{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41401263|title=Who's that girl? GCSE student wows at conference|date=1 October 2017|website=BBC News|access-date=1 October 2017|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124840/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-41401263|url-status=live}}

Corbyn's keynote speech lasted 75 minutes and included a number of jokes at the expense both of the Conservatives and the Daily Mail. In terms of policy, Corbyn pledged that a Labour government would give cities the power to bring in rent controls and introduce restrictions on gentrification projects, citing the then recent Grenfell Tower fire.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/live/2017/sep/27/jeremy-corbyn-conference-speech-labour-conference-2017-jeremy-corbyn-to-use-speech-to-say-public-services-and-businesses-must-be-more-accountable-politics-live?page=with:block-59cb9d13e4b050237a54f6fd#block-59cb9d13e4b050237a54f6fd|title=Labour conference 2017: Jeremy Corbyn's keynote speech – as it happened|date=27 September 2017|website=The Guardian|access-date=1 October 2017|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124550/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/live/2017/sep/27/jeremy-corbyn-conference-speech-labour-conference-2017-jeremy-corbyn-to-use-speech-to-say-public-services-and-businesses-must-be-more-accountable-politics-live?page=with%3Ablock-59cb9d13e4b050237a54f6fd#block-59cb9d13e4b050237a54f6fd|url-status=live}}

Fringe events at the conference included the second year of The World Transformed,{{cite web |url= https://newsocialist.org.uk/reflections-on-labour-conference-and-the-world-transformed/ |title= Reflecting on Labour Conference and The World Transformed – Part One |publisher= New Socialist |date= 29 September 2017 |access-date= 11 July 2019 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124553/https://newsocialist.org.uk/reflections-on-labour-conference-and-the-world-transformed/ |url-status= live }}{{cite news |url= https://www.economist.com/bagehots-notebook/2017/09/26/an-evening-with-momentum-at-the-labour-party-conference |title= An evening with Momentum at the Labour Party conference |newspaper= The Economist |date= 26 September 2017 |access-date= 11 July 2019 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124549/https://www.economist.com/bagehots-notebook/2017/09/26/an-evening-with-momentum-at-the-labour-party-conference |url-status= live }} at which former party leader Ed Miliband hosted a political pub quiz, focusing on Labour history and current affairs.{{cite web |url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/sep/26/like-night-and-day-labour-celebrates-a-conference-united-under-corbyn |title= 'Like night and day': Labour smiles push last year's tensions aside |author= Rowena Mason |work= The Guardian |date= 26 September 2017 |access-date= 12 July 2019 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124551/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/sep/26/like-night-and-day-labour-celebrates-a-conference-united-under-corbyn |url-status= live }} Centre for Cities, a think tank focused on cities in the UK, hosted a "the future of urban leadership" event, chaired by Andrew Carter with a panel consisting of Andy Burnham, Steve Rotheram, Michelle Dix (Managing Director of Crossrail 2), Francesca Gains (Head of Politics at University of Manchester) and David Orr (Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation).{{cite web |url= https://www.centreforcities.org/event/labour-party-conference-fringe-future-urban-leadership/ |title= Labour party conference fringe: the future of urban leadership |publisher= Centre For Cities |access-date= 11 July 2019 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124555/https://www.centreforcities.org/event/labour-party-conference-fringe-future-urban-leadership/ |url-status= live }}

The 2018 Conference took place at the Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool (ACC Liverpool){{cite web|title=Labour Party Conference 2018: Agenda, timetable and what to expect from the four-day Liverpool bash|date=23 September 2018 |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/labour-party-conference-2018-agenda-13280815|publisher=Daily Mirror|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109005448/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/labour-party-conference-2018-agenda-13280815|url-status=live}} from 23 to 26 September,{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}} with 13,000 delegates at the event.

On 23 September, Angela Rayner announced a range of education reforms: that Labour would scrap the Free School program, democratise Academy schools, give local authorities the power to take control of badly performing Academies and remove the ability to shape their own admission policies.{{cite news |last=Sabbagh |first=Dan |date=23 September 2018 |title=Labour vows to rein in academies and scrap free schools |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/sep/23/ban-anonymous-accounts-angela-rayner-tells-social-media-firms |url-status=live |access-date=24 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124605/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/sep/23/ban-anonymous-accounts-angela-rayner-tells-social-media-firms |archive-date=18 November 2020}} On 24 September, it was announced that private property tenants would be given more protections, as landlords couldn't evict them without reason.{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-45621986 |title= Labour plans to give tenants more power |work= BBC News |date= 24 September 2018 |access-date= 24 September 2018 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124856/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-45621986 |url-status= live }} John McDonnell announced that workers in companies with more than 250 employees would become joint share holders in a structure that the law would oblige to adopt, with each employee receiving a payout at the end of each year.{{cite news | title = Labour conference: John McDonnell unveils shares plan for workers | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-45621361 | work = BBC News | date = 24 September 2018 | access-date = 24 September 2018 | archive-date = 18 November 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124919/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-45621361 | url-status = live }}

The prospect of a second referendum on the UK's relationship with the European Union was a heavily discussed topic at the conference. Both Leader Jeremy Corbyn and Deputy Leader Tom Watson had said should the conference vote for a second referendum they would support it.{{cite news | last1 = Rawnsley | first1 = Andrew | last2 = Helm | first2 = Toby | title = Tom Watson: 'If Labour members call for a people's vote on Brexit, then we must respect that' | url = https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/sep/22/labour-tom-watson-interview-peoples-vote-brexit | work = The Guardian | date = 22 September 2018 | access-date = 24 September 2018 | archive-date = 18 November 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124653/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/sep/22/labour-tom-watson-interview-peoples-vote-brexit | url-status = live }}{{cite news | last = PA | author-link = Press Association | title = Jeremy Corbyn would back second EU referendum if Labour activists support it | url = https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/jeremy-corbyn-would-back-second-eu-referendum-if-labour-activists-support-it-1-9362576 | work = Yorkshire Post | date = 23 September 2018 | access-date = 24 September 2018 | archive-date = 18 November 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124935/https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/jeremy-corbyn-would-back-second-eu-referendum-if-labour-activists-support-it-251367 | url-status = live }} The motion was discussed by delegates on the Sunday, including MPs and representatives from People's Vote and other delegates, and after five hours they had written a two-paged motion stating that "If we cannot get a general election Labour must support all options remaining on the table, including campaigning for a public vote".{{cite news | last1 = Walker | first1 = Peter | last2 = Stewart | first2 = Heather | last3 = Elgot | first3 = Jessica | title = McDonnell: new Brexit referendum should not include remain option | url = https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/sep/24/mcdonnell-new-brexit-referendum-should-not-include-remain-option | work = The Guardian | date = 24 September 2018 | access-date = 24 September 2018 | archive-date = 18 November 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124612/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/sep/24/mcdonnell-new-brexit-referendum-should-not-include-remain-option | url-status = live }}{{Cite news | last = Staff writer | title = Labour to vote on 'keeping all options on the table' including backing second Brexit vote | url = http://www.itv.com/news/2018-09-24/labour-party-conference-brexit/ | work = ITV News | date = 24 September 2018 | access-date = 24 September 2018 | archive-date = 18 November 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124609/https://www.itv.com/news/2018-09-24/labour-party-conference-brexit | url-status = live }} The vote on motion took place on the Tuesday.

Party delegates voted on the Member of Parliament reselection process. They lowered the threshold required of local branches and local union branches to express dissatisfaction in an MP's performance from 50% to 33%.{{cite news | last1 = Elgot | first1 = Jessica | last2 = Syal | first2 = Rajeev | title = Labour members in open revolt at union-backed party rule changes | url = https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/sep/23/labour-members-in-open-revolt-at-union-backed-party-reforms | work = The Guardian | date = 23 September 2018 | access-date = 24 September 2018 | archive-date = 18 November 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124629/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/sep/23/labour-members-in-open-revolt-at-union-backed-party-reforms | url-status = live }}

Fringe Events also took place at the conference included The World Transformed,{{cite web |last= Allegretti |first= Aubrey |title= The World Transformed: How Momentum festival is challenging for the 'mainstream' Labour conference |url= https://news.sky.com/story/the-world-transformed-how-momentum-festival-is-challenging-for-the-mainstream-labour-conference-11505328 |publisher= Sky News |date= 23 September 2018 |access-date= 24 September 2018 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124614/https://news.sky.com/story/the-world-transformed-how-momentum-festival-is-challenging-for-the-mainstream-labour-conference-11505328 |url-status= live }} at which 2017 French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon was a key-note speaker,{{cite news |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/23/jean-luc-melenchon-to-speak-at-pro-corbyn-event-in-liverpool |title= Jean-Luc Mélenchon to speak at pro-Corbyn event in Liverpool |author= Angelique Chrisafis |newspaper= The Guardian |date= 23 September 2018 |access-date= 24 September 2018 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124614/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/23/jean-luc-melenchon-to-speak-at-pro-corbyn-event-in-liverpool |url-status= live }} as well as Corbyn, Katja Kipping (leader of Die Linke), Ralf Stegner (SPD), Zitto Kabwe (leader of Alliance for Change and Transparency) and Ash Sarkar.{{cite web |last= Rodgers |first= Sienna |title= The World Transformed reveals full line-up ahead of Labour conference |url= https://labourlist.org/2018/08/the-world-transformed-reveals-full-line-up-ahead-of-labour-conference/ |publisher= LabourList |date= 8 August 2018 |access-date= 24 September 2018 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124617/https://labourlist.org/2018/08/the-world-transformed-reveals-full-line-up-ahead-of-labour-conference/ |url-status= live }} Councils against Austerity also took place, organised by a group of 24 Labour council leaders and 12 local Labour group leaders who had signed an open letter sent to Prime Minister Theresa May, criticising austerity's effect on local government.{{cite web |url= https://labourlist.org/2018/09/local-labour-leaders-attack-tory-austerity-with-new-campaign/ |title= Local Labour leaders attack Tory austerity with new campaign |publisher= LabourList |date= 19 September 2018 |access-date= 24 September 2018 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124617/https://labourlist.org/2018/09/local-labour-leaders-attack-tory-austerity-with-new-campaign/ |url-status= live }} Real Britain, an event hosted by The Mirror, was chaired by Kevin Maguire and had speakers such as John McDonnell, Len McCluskey and former footballer Neville Southall.{{cite news |last1= Bartlett |first1= Nicola |title= Real Britain Fringe 2018: The Mirror takes powerful stories from Wigan Pier project to Labour Party Conference |url= https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/real-britain-fringe-2017-mirror-13295129 |work= Daily Mirror |publisher= Reach plc |date= 23 September 2018 |access-date= 25 September 2018 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124619/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/real-britain-fringe-2017-mirror-13295129 |url-status= live }} At this event McCluskey stated Unite's interest in supporting Labour Party candidates in Northern Ireland, instead of the SDLP.{{cite magazine |url= https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2018/09/will-labour-run-northern-ireland |title= Will Labour run in Northern Ireland? |author= Patrick Maguire |magazine= New Statesman |date= 23 September 2018 |access-date= 26 September 2018 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124620/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2018/09/will-labour-run-northern-ireland |url-status= live }}

File:Labour conference 2019 (48794140786).jpg

The 2019 Conference took place at the Brighton Centre from 21 to 25 September, and was chaired by Wendy Nichols.{{cite web|title=Delegates' Report|url=https://labour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Delegates-Report-2019a.pdf|publisher=The Labour Party|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=13 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213072841/https://labour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Delegates-Report-2019a.pdf|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=2019-09-23 |title=Chaotic scenes as Labour delegates reject plan to back remain – video |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2019/sep/23/labour-delegates-reject-plan-to-commit-to-remain-video |access-date=2023-10-22 |issn=0261-3077}} Earlier in the year, there was talk of hosting a special conference on a resolution to the deadlock on whether Labour should back a second referendum on Britain's relationship with the European Union.{{cite web |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/06/17/tom-watson-calls-special-labour-conference-brexit-end-july-pressures/ |title= Labour chaos over Brexit deepens as Tom Watson calls for special party conference |author= Harry Yorke |work= The Telegraph |date= 17 June 2019 |access-date= 22 July 2019 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124901/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/06/17/tom-watson-calls-special-labour-conference-brexit-end-july-pressures/ |url-status= live }}{{cite news |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-referendum-labour-jeremy-corbyn-tom-watson-final-say-a8964456.html |title= Brexit: Corbyn urged to back second referendum as Labour frontbenchers hold crunch talks |author= Andrew Woodcock |work= The Independent |date= 18 June 2019 |access-date= 22 July 2019 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124614/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-referendum-labour-jeremy-corbyn-tom-watson-final-say-a8964456.html |url-status= live }} However, in July 2019 Labour's affiliated trade unions agreed a joint position on Brexit, in which any finalised Brexit deal would be subject to a referendum, with the party to back a Remain vote if a Conservative government had negotiated the deal, and the party’s position to be decided if it was a Labour government's deal.{{cite web |url= https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/07/significance-labour-affiliated-trade-unions-agreeing-new-joint-position-brexit |title= The significance of Labour-affiliated trade unions agreeing a new joint position on Brexit |author= Stephen Bush |publisher= New Statesman |date= 9 July 2019 |access-date= 22 July 2019 |archive-date= 18 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124644/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2019/07/significance-labour-affiliated-trade-unions-agreeing-new-joint-position-brexit |url-status= live }} Conference delegates voted on whether Labour should fully support remain in a second referendum, or support the leadership's position of hosting a special conference after securing a majority government of how to campaign in the referendum. A majority of delegates supported the leadership's position.{{cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Heather |title=Corbyn defeats bid by activists to campaign for remain at election |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/23/jeremy-corbyn-defeats-grassroots-motion-for-out-and-out-remain-campaign-brexit |access-date=27 September 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=23 September 2019 |archive-date=23 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923174113/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/23/jeremy-corbyn-defeats-grassroots-motion-for-out-and-out-remain-campaign-brexit |url-status=live }}

Conference delegates voted on and supported several policy motions, including: supporting a Green New Deal - which included large investments in windfarms and making the country carbon neutral by 2030, reducing working hours to 32-hour week within a decade, abolish private schools, free prescriptions in England, the creation of a National Care Service (a care-focused counterpart to the National Health Service) and extension of voting rights to all residents of the UK regardless of their citizenship.{{cite news |last1=Rodgers |first1=Sienna |title=Policies announced and motions passed at Labour conference 2019 |url=https://labourlist.org/2019/09/policies-announced-and-motions-passed-at-labour-conference-2019/ |access-date=27 September 2019 |work=LabourList |date=25 September 2019 |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124624/https://labourlist.org/2019/09/policies-announced-and-motions-passed-at-labour-conference-2019/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Hossein-Pour |first1=Anahita |title=AT-A-GLANCE: Here's everything new that Labour announced at 2019 conference |url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/labour-party/news/106806/glance-heres-everything-new-labour-announced-2019 |access-date=27 September 2019 |work=PoliticsHome |date=24 September 2019 |language=en |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124627/https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/ataglance-heres-everything-new-that-labour-announced-at-2019-conference |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Bartlett |first1=Nicola |last2=Bloom |first2=Dan |title=9 radical new Labour policies this week that got buried by the UK's turbo-crisis |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/9-radical-new-labour-policies-20167270 |access-date=27 September 2019 |work=The Mirror (United Kingdom) |date=24 September 2019 |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124621/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/9-radical-new-labour-policies-20167270 |url-status=live }}

Jeremy Corbyn brought his speech forward by a day due to the Supreme Court ruling that the prorogation of Parliament by Prime Minister Boris Johnson was unlawful.{{cite news |last1=Stewart |first1=Heather |last2=Perraudin |first2=Frances |title=Corbyn calls for PM to go and tells Labour: win election for the people |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/24/boris-johnson-not-fit-prime-minister-jeremy-corbyn |access-date=27 September 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=24 September 2019 |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124622/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/24/boris-johnson-not-fit-prime-minister-jeremy-corbyn |url-status=live }}

On 4 April, a special conference was due to take place in London in order to announce the results of the leadership election, the deputy leadership election and by-elections for two membership election NEC positions, as well as a BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) place on the National Executive Committee.{{cite news |title=Two day-slot opens for Labour leadership voters |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51110666 |access-date=25 January 2020 |work=BBC News |date=14 January 2020 |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124911/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-51110666 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Perry |first1=Alice |title=Labour leadership rules and NEC by-elections - Alice Perry's latest report |url=https://labourlist.org/2020/01/labour-leadership-rules-and-nec-by-elections-alice-perrys-latest-report/ |website=LabourList |access-date=25 January 2020 |date=7 January 2020 |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124618/https://labourlist.org/2020/01/labour-leadership-rules-and-nec-by-elections-alice-perrys-latest-report/ |url-status=live }} The conference was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-parliaments-51860609|title=Labour leader announcement event cancelled|date=2020-03-12|work=BBC News|access-date=2020-04-08|language=en-GB|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124637/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-parliaments-51860609|url-status=live}} and results were subsequently announced via the Labour Party social media feeds. Keir Starmer was announced as the 19th leader of the Labour Party.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/UKLabour/status/1246385962818637825|title=Hear from @Keir_Starmer – our new Leader. #LabourLeadershippic.twitter.com/xdIFQKNOy9|last=UKLabour|date=2020-04-04|website=@UKLabour|language=en|access-date=2020-04-08|archive-date=2020-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118125551/https://twitter.com/UKLabour/status/1246385962818637825|url-status=live}}{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable (WP:NOTRS).|date=October 2023}}

The 2020 Labour Party Conference would have taken place in Liverpool from Saturday 19 September to Wednesday 23 September,{{cite news |last1=Perry |first1=Alice |title=Leadership races, 2020 conference and complaints process – Alice Perry's NEC report |url=https://labourlist.org/2020/01/leadership-races-2020-conference-and-complaints-process-alice-perrys-nec-report/ |access-date=25 January 2020 |work=LabourList |date=15 January 2020 |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124627/https://labourlist.org/2020/01/leadership-races-2020-conference-and-complaints-process-alice-perrys-nec-report/ |url-status=live }}{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable (WP:NOTRS).|date=October 2023}} however it was moved to an online format due to the COVID-19 outbreak.{{cite web |last1=Proctor |first1=Kate |title=Labour to move autumn conference online amid pandemic |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/19/lib-dems-urged-to-axe-party-conference-and-switch-to-virtual-format-due-to-coronavirus |website=The Guardian |access-date=19 September 2020 |language=en |date=19 May 2020 |url-status=live |archive-date=18 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124643/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/19/lib-dems-urged-to-axe-party-conference-and-switch-to-virtual-format-due-to-coronavirus }} It was Keir Starmer's first conference as leader. Taking place from 19 to 22 September, the virtual conference was renamed Labour Connected and described by the party as focused on "people coming together, to create a fairer and better society". Speakers included deputy leader Angela Rayner and Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds.{{Cite news|date=2020-09-20|title=A guide to party conferences in a Covid world|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-54150015|url-status=live|access-date=2020-09-20|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124637/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-54150015}}{{Cite news|date=2020-09-21|title=Anneliese Dodds criticises 'cavalier' pandemic spending|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-54228499|access-date=2021-08-07}}

Starmer's speech took place on 22 September, during which he criticised the government's handling of COVID-19, commenting that "just when the country needs leadership, we get serial incompetence". Starmer also focused on how Labour had changed since his election as party leader earlier that year, emphasising that the party was "under new leadership".{{Cite news|date=2020-09-22|title=Get serious about winning, Starmer tells Labour|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-54241844|access-date=2020-09-23|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118124648/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-54241844|url-status=live}}

The 2021 Labour Party conference took place between Saturday 25 September to Wednesday 29 September. It saw members attend in-person for the first time since the 2019 Conference.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

Prior to the conference, motions were blocked by the Conference Arrangement Committee and party staff which were seen as too "broad". This included both the Labour for a 'Green Jobs Revolution' motion and the 'Build Back Fairer' motion, both backed by the party's left. Instead, less radical but similar motions were allowed to remain.{{cite news |last1=Woodcock |first1=Andrew |title=Anger from Labour activists after Green New Deal motion blocked |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/labour-conference-green-climate-change-b1921617.html |access-date=24 September 2021 |work=The Independent |date=16 September 2021 |language=en}} The decision was quickly reversed after an appeal.{{cite news |last1=Rodgers |first1=Sienna |title=Labour for a Green New Deal conference motion ruled back in after appeal |url=https://labourlist.org/2021/09/labour-for-a-green-new-deal-conference-motion-ruled-back-in-after-appeal/ |access-date=24 September 2021 |work=LabourList}}

File:Labour Party conference 2021 (51523239681).jpg campaigners protest against Starmer's leadership at the 2021 conference]]

Controversy emerged due to Starmer wishing to change the voting system for leadership elections. He proposed reverting from a one member, one vote system, in which each Labour party member and supporter has an equal vote back to the electoral college where MPs, the membership and trade unions have a third of the vote each. The plan was accused of being anti-democratic, inappropriately timed and lacking consultation. Media speculated that this change in voting system was an attempt to continue an internal struggle with the left-wing of the party,{{cite news |last1=Dodd |first1=Tim |title='Absolute defeatism': John McDonnell's scathing attack on Starmer's rule changes |url=https://www.lbc.co.uk/opinion/absolute-defeatism-john-mcdonnells-scathing-attack-on-starmers-rule-changes/ |access-date=24 September 2021 |work=LBC |date=22 September 2021|language=en}}{{cite news |title=Keir Starmer is taking a big risk |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58666569 |access-date=24 September 2021 |work=BBC News |date=24 September 2021}} and to stop another left-wing candidate like Jeremy Corbyn from winning the election.{{cite news |last1=Heffer |first1=Greg |title=Sir Keir Starmer given leadership election warning as he fails to win unions' backing for Labour rule changes |url=https://news.sky.com/story/sir-keir-starmer-given-leadership-election-warning-as-he-fails-to-win-unions-backing-for-labour-rule-changes-12414576 |access-date=24 September 2021 |work=Sky News |date=22 September 2021 |language=en}} Prior to the conference, the media reported opposition from Unite the Union, TSSA, CWU, and Momentum, and uncertainty from Unison, GMB and Usdaw.{{cite news |last1=Pickard |first1=Jim |title=Starmer urged to delay plan to rewrite Labour leadership election rules |url=https://www.ft.com/content/7d7b54a9-91e4-457a-b35f-850d2e48b82d |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/7d7b54a9-91e4-457a-b35f-850d2e48b82d |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=24 September 2021 |work=Financial Times |date=22 September 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Elgot |first1=Jessica |title=Starmer risks 'civil war' over Labour leadership election rules change |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/sep/21/major-row-brewing-over-plans-to-change-way-labour-elects-party-leader |access-date=24 September 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=21 September 2021 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Rodgers |first1=Sienna |title=Will the electoral college idea be sent to Labour conference? It's up to the unions |url=https://labourlist.org/2021/09/will-the-electoral-college-idea-be-sent-to-labour-conference-its-up-to-the-unions/ |access-date=24 September 2021 |work=LabourList |date=22 September 2021}}

Starmer gave up on the electoral college after it failed to gain the support of trade unions.{{Cite web|last=Daly|first=Patrick|date=2021-09-25|title=Labour electoral college proposals 'dead' as Starmer climbs down over reforms|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/angela-rayner-national-executive-committee-keir-starmer-labour-momentum-b957241.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925162412/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/angela-rayner-national-executive-committee-keir-starmer-labour-momentum-b957241.html|archive-date=25 September 2021|access-date=2021-09-25|website=www.standard.co.uk|language=en}} However, the party's executive committee agreed to send a series of more modest reforms to conference, including increasing the percentage of Labour MPs a candidate would need the support of to get on the leadership election ballot, banning the party's newest members from voting, and making it harder for members to deselect MPs.{{Cite web|last=Cowburn|first=Ashley|date=2021-09-25|title=Starmer waters down Labour rulebook overhaul as he drops electoral college proposal|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/keir-starmer-labour-conference-vote-b1926826.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925162412/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/keir-starmer-labour-conference-vote-b1926826.html|archive-date=25 September 2021|access-date=2021-09-25|website=The Independent|language=en}} These changes were later passed by a small margin.{{Cite news|last=Parkinson|first=Justin|date=2021-09-26|title=Labour backs Sir Keir Starmer over party rules reforms|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58699946|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927085207/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58699946|archive-date=27 September 2021}}{{Cite web|last=Heffer|first=Greg|date=26 September 2021|title=Labour conference 2021: Sir Keir Starmer sees party rulebook reforms passed despite another day of criticism|url=https://news.sky.com/story/sir-keir-starmers-proposed-leadership-rule-changes-have-been-passed-12419211|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927085207/https://news.sky.com/story/sir-keir-starmers-proposed-leadership-rule-changes-have-been-passed-12419211|archive-date=27 September 2021|access-date=2021-09-27|website=Sky News|language=en}}

At the conference party members voted in favour of a £15 an hour minimum wage. The motion calling for a £15 an hour minimum wage was put forward by the Unite union. Starmer and his leadership team did not indicate a preference either in favour or against the motion.{{cite news |last1= Parkinson |first1= Justin |last2= Scott |first2= Jennifer |date= 28 September 2021 |title= Labour conference: Members vote for £15 minimum wage amid row |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-58713344 |work= BBC News |access-date= 27 November 2023}}

The 2022 conference took place in Liverpool from Sunday 25 to Wednesday 28 September 2022 at ACC Liverpool, King's Dock,{{Cite web |title=Local government events at Labour Party Annual Conference 2022 |url=https://www.local.gov.uk/parliament/party-conferences/local-government-events-labour-party-annual-conference-2022 |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=Local Government Association |language=en}} and was chaired by Anneliese Dodds.{{Cite news |last1=Dyer |first1=Henry |last2=Savarese |first2=Mario |date=2022-09-22 |title=Labour conference stall linked to Tory donor who claimed 'foreign Muslims' run English cities |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/sep/22/labour-conference-stall-linked-to-tory-donor-who-claimed-foreign-muslims-run-english-cities |access-date=2023-10-22 |issn=0261-3077}}

To open the conference, Labour held a minute's silence following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and sang God Save the King for the first time at a Labour conference. Former leader Jeremy Corbyn criticised the decision, stating that it was "very, very odd," and "excessively nationalist," arguing that there was no precedent for doing so.{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Faye |date=2022-09-25 |title=Labour members sing national anthem and hold minute's silence in patriotic opening to conference |work=Sky News |url=https://news.sky.com/story/labour-members-sing-national-anthem-and-hold-minutes-silence-in-patriotic-opening-to-conference-12705052 |access-date=2023-10-14}}{{Cite news |last=Elgot |first=Jessica |date=2022-09-25 |title=Labour delegates sing national anthem at conference for first time |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/sep/25/labour-conference-delegates-sing-national-anthem-for-first-time-keir-starmer |access-date=2023-10-14 |issn=0261-3077}}

Keir Starmer was introduced by Satvir Kaur.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-27 |title=Council leader makes party conference debut introducing Keir Starmer |url=https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/22735231.southampton-council-leader-introduces-keir-starmer-party-conference/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Daily Echo |language=en}} Delegates voted in favour of a motion on proportional representation, which is supported by major trade unions associated with the Labour Party, including Unite, Unison and the Communication Workers Union (CWU).{{Cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Peter |last2=Allegretti |first2=Aubrey |date=2022-09-26 |title=Labour delegates back motion calling on party to back PR |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/sep/26/labour-delegates-back-motion-calling-on-party-to-back-pr |access-date=2023-04-24 |issn=0261-3077}} However, Starmer said that electoral reform is not a priority and ruled out putting electoral reform in the Labour Party's next election manifesto.{{cite news |last1=Savage |first1=Michael |last2=Helm |first2=Toby |date=2022-09-02 |title=Keir Starmer defies call for changes to first past the post voting system |url= https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/sep/24/keir-starmer-defies-call-for-changes-to-first-past-the-post-voting-system |work=The Guardian |access-date=2023-12-23}}

Unusually, the 2023 conference took place in the same city as it did the previous year, Liverpool, from Sunday 8 October to Wednesday 11 October.{{Cite web |title=The Labour Party's Annual Conference |url=https://labour.org.uk/conference/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=The Labour Party |language=en}} It was also unusually held after the Conservative Party conference. The conference saw an increase in stalls from large companies, including for Google, Ineos, Specsavers, with fringe events sponsored by Deliveroo and Goldman Sachs.{{Cite news |last=Partington |first=Richard |date=2023-10-10 |title='Securonomics': five key business messages from Labour conference |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/oct/10/securonomics-five-key-business-messages-from-labour-conference |access-date=2023-10-11 |issn=0261-3077}} There was an increase in the number of "observers" sent by the Conservative Party to at least eight, up from the two usually sent between conferences at both parties.{{Cite news |last1=Allegretti |first1=Aubrey |last2=Adu |first2=Aletha |date=2023-10-08 |title=Conservative party sends extra 'spies' to Labour conference, say sources |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/oct/08/conservative-party-sends-extra-spies-to-labour-conference-say-sources |access-date=2023-10-14 |issn=0261-3077}}

Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves made her speech on 9 October, and spoke of a stance of "securonomics," which The Guardian stated was similar to U.S. President Joe Biden's language on economic nationalism. She announced the creation of a "Covid corruption commissioner", enforcement of the ministerial code on the use of private jets, and a fiscal lock on ministerial spending.{{Cite news |last=Crerar |first=Pippa |date=2023-10-09 |title=Rachel Reeves: I'll be iron chancellor who gets UK economy back on track |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/oct/09/rachel-reeves-iron-chancellor-uk-economy-back-on-track-labour |access-date=2023-10-11 |issn=0261-3077}} Also on 9 October, Labour MP Apsana Begum left the conference due to safety concerns after she tweeted a photograph of herself supporting the Palestine Solidarity Campaign during the Gaza war.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Rivkah |date=2023-10-10 |title=Muslim MP Forced to Flee Labour Conference After Visiting Palestine Stall |url=https://novaramedia.com/2023/10/10/muslim-mp-forced-to-flee-labour-conference-after-posing-at-palestine-stall/ |access-date=2023-10-11 |website=Novara Media |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Forrest |first=Adam |date=2023-10-09 |title=Labour calls for investigation into Hamas supporters – as own MP poses with activists |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/hamas-police-uk-labour-conference-streeting-b2426109.html |access-date=2023-10-11 |website=The Independent |language=en}}

Starmer gave his speech on 10 October, but was interrupted before he began when Yaz Ashmawi, a protester from the new campaign group People Demand Democracy, poured glitter over him,{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Jon |date=2023-10-10 |title=Revealed: Why stage invader glitterbombed Keir Starmer |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/keir-starmer-speech-glitter-protest-b2427222.html |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=The Independent |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=Peter |date=2023-10-10 |title=Tuesday at Labour conference: highlights of the day |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/oct/10/tuesday-at-labour-conference-highlights-of-the-day |access-date=2023-10-10 |issn=0261-3077}} calling for a "people's house" and for proportional representation, which Starmer had rejected since the previous conference.{{Cite news |last=O'Dell |first=Liam |date=2023-10-10 |title=Who are People Demand Democracy, the protest group behind the Keir Starmer stage invasion? |work=Indy100 |url=https://www.indy100.com/politics/starmer-protester-labour-conference-democracy |access-date=2023-10-10}} During his speech, Starmer repeated the phrase "getting Britain building again," and repeated a pledge to build 1.5 million new houses.{{Cite news |last=Wheeler |first=Brian |date=2023-10-10 |title=Labour conference: Six takeaways from Keir Starmer's speech |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-67056087 |access-date=2023-10-11}} Starmer did not walk off the stage and through the crowd following his speech, as was usually the norm for party leader speeches at the conference.{{Cite news |last1=Quinn |first1=Ben |last2=Allegretti |first2=Aubrey |date=2023-10-10 |title=Protester on stage disrupts Keir Starmer speech to Labour conference |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/oct/10/protester-on-stage-disrupts-keir-starmer-speech-to-labour-conference |access-date=2023-10-10 |issn=0261-3077}} Labour sold limited edition "sparkle with Starmer" t-shirts for £20 following the incident,{{Cite web |last=Mathers |first=Matt |date=2023-10-11 |title=Labour sells 'Sparkle with Starmer' T-shirts after protester showers him with glitter |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/starmer-glitter-labour-conference-t-shirts-b2427707.html |access-date=2023-10-11 |website=The Independent |language=en}} and the party launched a security review.{{Cite web |last=Forrest |first=Adam |date=2023-10-11 |title=Labour launch review as Starmer admits glitterbomb could've been 'a lot worse' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/keir-starmer-speech-protester-glitter-b2427778.html |access-date=2023-10-11 |website=The Independent |language=en}}

The 2024 Conference took place in Liverpool, on 22 September to 25 September for the third time in a row.{{cite web | url=https://labourlist.org/2023/11/cac-report-labour-conference-2023-attendance-speeches-fringe-events-logistics/ | title=CAC report: 'Lessons from Labour's record-breaking conference' | date=11 November 2023 }}

• Conservative Party Conference
• Liberal Democrat Conference
• Party conference season

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Labour Party (UK) Conference}}

• [http://www.labour.org.uk Labour Party official website]

{{UK Labour Party}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Labour Party (UK) Conference}}

Category:Annual events in the United Kingdom

Category:Conferences in the United Kingdom

Category:Organisation of the Labour Party (UK)

Category:Political events in the United Kingdom

Category:Political party assemblies

Category:Recurring events established in 1907