Liberal Democrats book yet another year for Conference in Brighton

9.41.47pm GMT Sun 12th Mar 2006

Liberal Democrats have booked a further year for its Autumn Party Conference in Brighton, providing a massive boost for the local tourist industries. The Conference is already coming this year (2006) and will now also come next year, 2007. The decision made on Friday was announced at this weekend's Spring Conference in Harrogate, which saw the party rally behind new party leader Sir Ming Campbell.

The party's 2006 Autumn Conference will take place in Brighton and Hove from 16 - 21 September 2006.

Estimates suggest that such a Conference is worth over £5 million for the host venue, in terms of hotels, bars, restaurants and shops.

Lib Dem City Councillor Paul Elgood said: 'Yet another year in Brighton is great news for the City as conferences such as this provide a major boost to the local tourist industry. With thousands of delegates, press and other conference attenders coming into the City, this will have a major impact at the end of the season.

'The Liberal Democrats return on a regular basis to the City, and many delegates say to us that it is their favourite conference venue.

'We last came in 2003 but other conference venues such as Blackpoool have proven to be as popular.

'The Liberal Democrats are strong supporters of Brighton & Hove has a conference venue. We keep coming back because of the warm welcome we get.'