Calder Valley were well represented at the Labour Party Conference 2024, with our MP, Josh Fenton-Glynn, five local delegates representing our constituency Labour party and USDAW, and several more of our members there on ex-officio passes (Calderdale Councillors) or as visitors.

The Conference once again took place at the ACC Arena on King’s Dock in Liverpool, where we had a warm welcome from Liverpool staff, stewards, and security, which was much tighter this year now that we are in government.

We were thrilled to have two of our delegates speak from the main stage during the policy debates, with our Secretary, Marie Wright, speaking in support of Labour’s Growth Mission, and Todmorden member, Tyler Hanley, speaking in support of Labour’s Clean Energy Mission. Videos of both these speeches are shared above.

Marie spoke about the impact of the cost of living crisis on families in her local community in Rastrick and throughout Calder Valley, highlighting the need for charities like Focus4Hope, and the necessity of investing in flood defences and sustainable housing.

Tyler spoke about how communities like those in his home town of Todmorden are becoming innovation hubs using the cooperative model to contribute to green energy solutions.

Josh Fenton-Glynn also contributed to conference events on a panel discussing child poverty at a UNICEF fringe event, as well as having many meetings with lobbyists, etc, keen to bend his ear!

The main conference hall was packed for the main speeches by key cabinet members, with our visitors having to find screens on exhibition stands to watch Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves, and grab a seat in the overflow arena for Keir Starmer’s speech, even Josh had to take a seat in there! All the speakers received enthusiastic responses, with many standing ovations and applause at nearly every pause for breath.

Fringe events were packed, with large queues building up outside some, including the Rally Against Violence Towards Women and Girls which several of our members attended – tears were flowing at the speech by Layla Coe on her experience of being orphaned by the murder of her mother, and gasps were audible at the information Georgia Harrision gave on deep fake videos and images.

The exhibition was generally heaving, with many unions, charities and businesses showcasing what they do, with lots of opportunity to pick up promotional bags, notebooks, pens, lanyards, badges, food and drink.

It was an altogether positive conference and we are already looking forward to 2025!