Tory conference to return to Birmingham in 2012
BIRMINGHAM’S place on the party political conference schedule was further strengthened this morning with the announcement that the Conservative Party is to hold its 2012 conference in the city.
It will be the third time that David Cameron has brought the Tories to the West Midlands. The party held its 2008 conference at Birmingham’s ICC and will return this autumn for its first gathering following the General Election.
Marketing Birmingham and The NEC Group negotiated the deal with the Conservatives.
The conference – the sixth political event to be staged in Birmingham over the past five years – is expected to deliver a considerable economic impact for the city. The 2008 event had an estimated £28m impact on the regional economy, according to Birmingham City Council.
Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This is undoubtedly confirmation of our reputation as the UK’s natural meeting place for political conferences. I am confident that the Conservative Party Conference in 2012 will enhance that reputation.
“The Conference brings to our city some of Britain’s most powerful politicians and civil servants who will help shape policy affecting the next 20 years, and understand the role our city can play in complimenting that agenda. As we’ve seen with the High Speed Two announcement recently, Birmingham continues to be at the centre of national economic debate.”
Eric Pickles, the Chairman of the Conservative Party, said:“We’re delighted to be returning to Birmingham. Birmingham proved to us in 2008 that it has an exceptional conference venue in the ICC and Symphony Hall, a good range of accommodation and a well developed transport infrastructure. Whilst these are all important issues for our delegates it was the welcome we received that made a lasting impression. Birmingham clearly goes the extra mile to look after its visitors and we are looking forward to being there both later this year and in 2012.
Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham, said: “It is great news that we’ve reached an agreement with the Conservative Party to return in 2012, against some stiff competition. This is a clear sign of the confidence that the major political parties now have in the city’s ability to deliver a world-class event.”
