Liverpool Conservatives joined their colleagues from across Merseyside, Cheshire and Lancashire at an event in Greater Manchester. Also in attendance was David Campbell Bannerman, former MEP for East England and current Chairman of the Conservative Democratic Organisation and The Freedom Association.
David spoke of the need to keep democracy at the heart of the party and to remember that conservative values are what our members and voters support us for. He spoke of the current trend to change long-standing values, rules and institutions to suit the "woke" agenda and the adverse effects of this on both society and our support.
He answered questions from the floor on the changes to the party structure over the years, the recent increases in membership fees, the potential reasons for lower numbers of members compared with 50 years ago, and what the local and national party can do to increase these figures. He discussed the importance of our volunteers and of ideas when it comes to increasing our support among younger voters.
Guests enjoyed a delicious meal, took part in an auction of Conservative memorabilia, and of course the traditional Tory raffle.
Funds raised are to be used for the campaigning activities of Greater Manchester associations for the next General Election, candidates of which include Liverpool's own Paul Athans, whom we are proud to say, has been selected to stand in the Hazel Grove constituency.