I want to offer a huge congratulations to Craig Rimmer, Colin Campbell, Valerie Metcalfe, Nigel Dyson, Mark Durham, Lottie Lyons, Ian Foster, and Seena Shah on a successful Essex Conservative Conference.
The conference was launched by our Party Chairman, Rt Hon Kevin Holinrake MP whose rallying speech highlighted the hard work and dedication that have delivered success across many more wards. He also set out the Chairman’s “Big Five” — the core activities that evidence consistently shows are most closely associated with winning seats and building strong local campaigns.
It was also great to hear from Louise McKinlay, our Conservative Mayoral Candidate, she spoke about the challenges ahead and the opportunities for our region, with a special thank you to everyone supporting her long campaign, which has been extended due to the Labour Government’s indecision over the election timetable.
We also received an excellent briefing from Richard Holden MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, on holding the Government to account through his comprehensive six-point plan for improving the nation's transport infrastructure and services.
The session was followed by a lively and informative Q&A, where attendees had the opportunity to raise a range of local transport concerns and challenges affecting communities across Essex. These discussions highlighted several key issues requiring greater attention from the Shadow Transport team, reinforcing the importance of ensuring that local voices help shape future policy development. A useful LGA briefing by Colin Noble on the roles and responsibility of a Councillor and in upholding what the Party expects from Councillors
The evening culminated in an insightful and engaging address from Shadow Secretary of State Alex Burghart MP, who set out a compelling vision for how Conservatives can restore economic confidence and deliver sustainable growth across the UK.
He highlighted our Conservatives Party’s role in fixing the economy, creating the conditions for investment, enterprise, and opportunity to flourish once again, and reversing the flight of capital that has accelerated under Labour’s failure to provide a credible growth strategy. Alex also delivered a detailed critique of Reform’s record, exposing the gap between its promises and performance. A fitting and thought-provoking close to an excellent conference.
The final interactive session brought everyone together and proved to be both informative and engaging. Valerie Metcalfe shared a range of practical and much-needed fundraising ideas, sparking valuable discussion on how we can strengthen our local campaigns and associations.
I was delighted to join our National Convention Chairman, Julian Ellacott, who provided helpful guidance on LGA selection rules. I also took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of doing more to recognise and value the contribution of our former councillors, both those who have served in years past and those who will step down following the 2026 elections. Their experience, skills, and local knowledge remain a tremendous asset, and we should continue to encourage their active involvement within the Party and engaging affiliate/ ‘Friends of’ groups to increase activists, and fundraising. The conference concluded with a well-deserved vote of thanks from our Vice President, John Belsey, bringing an excellent conference to a close.
It was a valuable opportunity to engage directly with two Shadow Secretaries of State and the Party Chairman, sharing frontline experiences and discussing how we can deliver better services, stronger growth, and greater opportunity for our country and its people.
Thank you to all the organisers, volunteers, members, and supporters who made the conference such a success.
