Boris Johnson was meant to be in Lancashire today (13 January) but had to cancel his plans – but the Conservative Party are set to return later this year.

The Conservative Party will descend on Blackpool on 18th and 19th of March and will stage a conference at the Winter Gardens complex on Church Street.

The Conservative Spring Forum provides an excellent opportunity for members, organisations and the press to engage with the party and hear about new ideas and policies.

The Spring Forum will see a series of key speeches and a selection of fringe events held at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

It will be the first time the Conservative Party has hosted a major conference in Blackpool since 2007 and Visit Blackpool estimates the event will be worth £2.4m to the local economy.

Amanda Milling MP, Conservative Party Co-Chairman, said: “I’m delighted to announce that we will be returning to Blackpool for the Conservative Party Spring Forum in two years’ time.

“Blackpool and the entire North West region are a key part of our plan to level-up the country and returning to the town reinforces our commitment to the task.

“I am looking forward to seeing Conservative party supporters and activists making the trip to the seaside to enjoy the conference and everything this wonderful town has to offer.”

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Cabinet Member for Tourism & Culture, said: “We are delighted to see the return of a mainstream party political conference to Blackpool – and we hope it will be the first of many.

“Our investment in a new conference centre to complement the existing facilities in the Winter Gardens is a statement of our intent to once again become a major player in the conference market.

“The return of the Conservative Party after a number of years away gives us every confidence that we can do just that.

“We look forward to welcoming delegates back to Blackpool in the spring of 2022 when they will be able to experience the outstanding new conference facilities that are currently under construction.”