Party conference: key dates

Party conferences midway through the election cycle are normally fairly flaccid affairs but autumn 2006 may be a little different; for two individuals it marks their first conference as leader. For another, the Prime Minister Tony Blair, it's his last.

Both Blair and Sir Menzies Campbell are fighting for their reputation. For David Cameron this will be a good opportunity to see if he's taken the Conservative grassroots with him as he attempts to reposition his party.

Saturday 16 September
Liberal Democrat conference opens in Brighton - the first since Sir Menzies Campbell became leader.

Tuesday 19 September
Ex-leader Charles Kennedy addresses conference, still darling of the membership despite resigning in January after admitting to 18-month battle with alcohol addiction. Comparisons between the reception he will receive and the reception conference gives Sir Menzies Campbell tomorrow are inevitable.

Thursday 21 September
Final day of conference marked by closing speech from Sir Menzies Campbell. Back in February, fellow leadership candidate Simon Hughes said Sir Campbell's progress in the job should be reviewed at the conference. That means today.

Sunday 24 September
Labour Party conference opens in Manchester - the last for Tony Blair as leader.

Monday 25 September
Although dates for keynote addresses have not been confirmed by Labour, it is likely that Chancellor Gordon Brown will address conference this afternoon. Convention has it that the chancellor's speech precedes that of the leader.

Brown will be under pressure to deliver a rousing speech having been accused of plotting against Blair and demonstrating a naked ambition that has not gone down well among some in his party.

Tuesday 26 September
Tony Blair's 13th and final speech as leader. Despite his assurances that he would leave within 12 months, many MPs and party activists are agitating for him to go by the end of the year. An opportunity to buy more time or, perhaps, make a dramatic exit.

Sunday 1 October
Conservative Party conference opens in Bournemouth. A less dramatic affair compared to last year's leadership beauty show, it will still be interesting to see if David Cameron and his team start to flesh out some policy details.

Tuesday 3 October
Precise dates are still to be confirmed but it is expected that David Cameron will make his first keynote as leader in the afternoon.

Related links
Twenty political blogs you should read
More reports from the party conferences

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