THE Conservative Party is considering bringing its party conference to Liverpool.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling has been on a fact-finding visit to the Echo Arena and BT Convention Centre to check out the Merseyside venue.

Following the tour by Arena officials, he said he would be lobbying party chairman Eric Pickles to bring the showcase event to Liverpool.

If the city secures the Conservatives, it would complete a stunning hat-trick of the major parties bringing their conferences to the city.

Liverpool will host the Labour Party Conference for the first time in the city’s history in September, 2011, while the Liberal Democrats will be here next year.

Mr Grayling, who is also the shadow minister for Merseyside, said: “I had not been back to the Arena since it was opened at the start of Capital of Culture.

“What I was doing was having a look at the facilities, and I think it is great.

“I think it would be a great place to do it [bring the conference].

“It’s certainly a possibility for the future and I would like to see it happen.

“I think the facilities are absolutely superb and tailor-made for a party conference.”