The Conservative Party’s annual conference, once a bustling hub of corporate networking, is facing a significant decline in business interest this year. As the Tories grapple with their new role in opposition after 14 years in power, industry leaders are showing little enthusiasm for the upcoming gathering in Birmingham.
The party’s struggle to attract corporate attendance reflects a dramatic shift in its relationship with the business community. For years, the Conservatives prided themselves on being the natural allies of enterprise, with former Prime Minister David Cameron actively cultivating this image upon taking office in 2010. However, a series of events including Brexit uncertainties, economic policy
fluctuations, and frequent leadership changes have eroded this reputation.
Compounding the issue is the ongoing Conservative leadership contest, which will extend beyond the conference dates. This timing means much of the event will be dominated by internal party politics rather than policy discussions, further diminishing its appeal to corporate attendees.
Public affairs professionals are predicting a record low in business participation. Some are even considering alternative strategies, such as arranging meetings outside the conference’s secure zone to avoid high ticket prices. While some corporate presence is expected, industry insiders suggest that many attendees are only participating due to pre-existing commitments made before the recent election.
In stark contrast, the Labour Party’s conference is generating significant interest from the business sector. Labour’s pro-growth messaging and pre-election outreach to corporations have resonated with many, despite some concerns about proposed changes to workers’ rights.
Surprisingly, even the Liberal Democrats are seeing a surge in corporate engagement for their annual gathering. As the third-largest party in Parliament following the July election, the Lib Dems are becoming an increasingly important consideration for businesses seeking to cover all bases in their political outreach.
For the Conservatives, rebuilding their business credentials will be a crucial challenge. Experts suggest that the party should focus on areas where they can still exert meaningful influence, particularly through parliamentary scrutiny. This approach, while less
headline-grabbing than proposing new policies, could help restore credibility and demonstrate the party’s continued relevance.
Some public affairs professionals see potential value in maintaining relationships with Conservative MPs during their time in opposition. They argue that showing attention to politicians out of power can be a wise long-term investment, as it may be remembered when political fortunes change.
The situation marks a significant reversal for a party that once dominated the corporate landscape of British politics. The
Conservatives’ struggle to attract business interest to their conference is emblematic of broader challenges they face in redefining their role and message after their electoral defeat.
As the political landscape shifts, businesses and lobby groups are recalibrating their approach to party engagement. The declining interest in the Conservative conference suggests a broader
reassessment of political priorities among corporate actors, with many now looking to build stronger relationships with Labour and even the Liberal Democrats.
This realignment poses both challenges and opportunities for all parties involved. For the Conservatives, it underscores the need to rebuild trust and demonstrate their continued relevance to the business community. For Labour and the Liberal Democrats, it presents a chance to solidify new alliances and shape economic policy. And for businesses, it necessitates a more diverse approach to political engagement, ensuring they have a voice across the evolving political spectrum.