City’s timely political coup

Aug 30 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

TO BORROW a phrase from Sesame Street, today's political party conferences are all brought to us by the letter B. Whether it's Blackpool, Brighton or Bournemouth, the Big Three all seem to have a fascination with seaside resorts that begin with the second letter of the alphabet.

So it's good to see the Liberal Democrats breaking with tradition and plan- ning their spring getaway by the banks of the River Mersey. There can be no better time for the Lib-Dems to bring their biggest-ever Spring Conference to Liverpool.

The March event will be held at the newly-opened £146m Arena and Convention Centre, at a time when the eyes of the world will be on Liverpool as the programme of events for the city's European Capital of Culture year gets under way in earnest.

The ACC is a wonderful addition to the city, complementing the Pier Head, Albert Dock, and the impressive £1bn Liverpool One complex. The Lib-Dems say the facility's green credentials – it boasts its own wind-farm and has technology to slash its CO² emissions – was one of the main attractions.

By ensuring they are the first political party to sign on the dotted line and book the conference facility, the Lib-Dems have stolen a march on Labour and the Conservatives, and compounded their coup by signalling their hope to return for their autumn conference.

Sir Menzies Campbell’s party will also be heartily thanked by the city's hotels, restaurants and bars; those in the hospit- ality trade can not only look forward to welcoming 1,500 of the party faithful, but will also enjoy the added bonus of having the expense accounts of the nation's political journalists at their disposal.

ACC is negotiating with other parties to bring their conferences here, and St Helens South Labour MP Shaun Woodward is already pressing for his party to forsake Bournemouth for the city.

Meanwhile, city council leader Warren Bradley will be able to reduce his carbon footprint in 2008 – by walking from his Town Hall office to his party conference every day.