Conservative Party Conference in Blackpool: When is it, who's speaking and everything else you need to know
Blackpool is gearing up to host its first major political conference in 15 years with the Conservatives returning to the resort this month.
The event is being held in a new £28m conference centre within the Winter Gardens on Friday, March 18, and Saturday, March 19.
The conference is estimated to be worth nearly £2.5m to the local economy, according to tourism bosses.
The last time a national party conference was held in Blackpool was in 2007 when the Conservatives gathered for their main October conference in the town.
Here’s a run down of who’s speaking and when ...
1. Rishi Sunak MP
The Chancellor of the Exchequer - Rt. Hon. Rishi Sunak MP will open on Friday at 11am
Photo: Christopher Furlong
2. Jacob Rees-Mogg MP
Minister for Brexit Opportunities - Rt. Hon. Jacob Rees-Mogg MP is scheduled to speak at 11.15am
Photo: Daniel Leal-Olivas
3. Grant Shapps MP
Secretary of State for Transport - Rt. Hon. Grant Shapps MP will take to the stage at 11.30am
Photo: Tolga Akmen
4. Oliver Dowden CBE MP
Conservative Party Chairman - Rt. Hon. Oliver Dowden CBE MP is the first to speak in the afternoon at 1.15pm
Photo: Yui Mok