A conference is an annual party meeting.

Conservative

Policy-Making

Policy ideas in the Conservative Party are developed mainly through the Conservative Policy Forum (CPF) and the Party Board.

• CPF: Local associations and members take part in organised discussions across the country, feeding ideas and opinions to national policymakers.
• Party Board (Conservative Board, aka., Central Board): The ultimate decision-making body of the party. It includes representatives from the voluntary, political, and professional wings. The Board oversees membership, fundraising, and candidates - and also has the final say on operational and strategic matters, including policy direction.
  • Controlled by leadership.
• National Convention: Described as the parliament of the voluntary party. It meets at least twice a year, representing members through Association and Regional officers. It allows members to voice their views to party leadership.

Member Influence

Members have opportunities to contribute ideas through local discussion groups and the CPF. However, real decision-making power rests with the Board and party leadership. The process is top-down, with limited formal influence for ordinary members beyond consultation.

Member influence is generally very minimal.

Labour

Policy-Making

Labour policy comes from consultation between members, elected representatives, and trade unions. The National Policy Forum (NPF) - over 200 elected representatives from across the party - is the main body that shapes policy.

• NPF Reports: Cover specific policy areas and are presented at annual conference, where delegates vote to accept or reject them.
• Conference: The “ultimate authority in the party.” Delegates from local parties, unions, and socialist societies. They debate and vote on motions. Only eight topics are debated each year, chosen from submissions by local parties and trade unions.
  • Topics discussed in conference do not have to be party policy.
  • Controlled by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
    • The NEC is selected by members, unions, and leadership.
    • The Prime Minister takes highest priority within the party and can make policy.
  • Allows for pressure upon the party for change.
• Manifesto: Before a general election, the NPF meets to agree the foundation of the manifesto. The final policy programme must be approved by at least a two-thirds majority at conference.
  • The NEC writes and approves the manifesto.
• Final Say: When Labour is not in government, the NEC, shadow cabinet, and key representatives from the NPF and Parliamentary Labour Party decide which policies enter the manifesto.

Member Influence

Members influence policy through local parties and conference delegates. The process includes votes and motions but is shared with unions and the NEC, which have significant control. It’s more democratic and collective than the Conservatives’, though still guided heavily by central structures.

Liberal Democrats

Policy-Making

• Conference: Members are able to produce policy.
  • Leadership cannot produce policy.
• Federal Board: The main governing body responsible for coordinating overall strategy, overseeing finances, managing party operations.

Member Influence

Members strongly influence the Liberal Democrats, especially since the leader cannot change policy and is rather reliant on party members.

Comparison

• Conservatives: Policy is shaped centrally by the Board and leadership, with consultation through the CPF. Members’ role is mainly advisory.
• Labour: Policy is shaped collectively through the NPF and conference, with members, unions, and representatives all having a say via voting.
• Liberal Democrats: Policy is strictly shaped by members.
• Extent of Member Influence:
  • Labour: Members have a formal, structured role in shaping policy.
  • Conservatives: Members can share ideas, but decision-making is dominated by central leadership.

Summary

Conservative

• Ideas discussed through the Conservative Policy Forum (CPF).
• Party Board makes the final decisions on policy and operations.
• Members can suggest and debate, but have limited direct power.
• Process is centralised and leadership-driven.

Labour

• Policy shaped by the National Policy Forum (NPF) and annual conference.
• Delegates from local parties and unions debate and vote on proposals.
• NEC and leadership decide what enters the manifesto.
• Members have a formal role and real influence, though leadership still guides the process.