Senior politician senses optimism at Labour Party conference
GUERNSEY’S lead on external relations has been trying to build bridges with the Labour Party by attending its party conference in Liverpool.
Policy & Resources member Jonathon Le Tocq will also attend the Conservative Party Conference in October.
The island’s government works closely with the UK, and having a deputy at the conference allows for relationships to be built with UK politicians, regardless of which party is in power.
‘The Labour Party conference this year is a busy, buzzing place and there is a noticeably optimistic atmosphere,’ said Deputy Le Tocq.
‘I’m pleased to have had the opportunity to meet existing and new Labour contacts – MPs and Lords, and among them, some members of the Shadow Cabinet and the wider shadow ministerial team – including MPs shadow business minister Jonathan Reynolds, Steve Reed, Emily Thornberry and Stephen Doughty.’
Meetings were also held with Jersey’s new external relations lead, Deputy Philip Ozouf, as the two islands share interests and worked together to prepare for the conference.
‘Discussions have been on various topics, such as Labour Party members’ view on the current situation in UK politics and the next general election, the UK Guernsey constitutional relationship, how Guernsey is a positive and constructive part of the British family which has autonomy on domestic matters, trade policies, and on how green finance can be a force for good.’
Tomorrow is the final day of the conference after party leader Sir Keir Starmer’s keynote speech yesterday,
This week Labour reached its largest opinion poll lead over the Conservatives in over two decades.
