Birmingham to host 2008 Conservative conference

The Conservatives are to break with tradition, and stage their annual conference in Birmingham for the first time.

Instead of the usual seaside location, the 2008 and 2010 annual October conferences will take place in Birmingham's International Convention Centre.

The move was announced by Party Chairman Francis Maude following a full review of conference locations. A decision on the venue for the 2009 annual conference is expected to be made shortly.

Announcing the Birmingham location during a visit to the City, Mr Maude said: "Following the success of our 2006 Spring Forum in Manchester, we are delighted to be bringing our main conference to England's second city."

With the decision certain to deliver a multi-million pound boost to the city's economy, he added: "Birmingham is one of the country's great heartland cities, representing a dynamic and cosmopolitan Britain."

And Mr Maude explained: "Having looked at the five venues across the country that can hold a full conference, we are keen to move the conference across the country. We have not ruled out returning to other venues in the future."

The decision to stage the Conservative 2008 conference is Birmingham builds on the great success of last year's Spring Forum in Manchester. And together with the creation of Campaign North, it shows that the Conservatives are not just a party of the South.