THE Liberal Democrats party conference is set to be held in Bournemouth this year.

The political party recently celebrated its successes at local elections across the country, including within BCP Council, where it is now the largest party with 28 councillors.

The party conference will help to draw up the party’s manifesto ahead of the general election next year.

Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel and the Bournemouth International Centre are listed as the venues for the conference, which will take place between September 23 and 26.

Bournemouth Echo:

Leader of the Lib Dems in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Vikki Slade, said it was “super exciting” to welcome the party to the town.

“It’s a huge opportunity not only to showcase Bournemouth but at the exact moment when the Lib Dem manifesto is being constructed ready for next year for us to make the case that places like BCP have got a really good chance of returning Lib Dem MPs,” she said.

“It brings a couple of thousand people to Bournemouth out of season, staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants, enjoying the seafront.

“I’ve already started talking to local businesses about what they want from it.”

She added that she had been “lined up” to open the conference and introduce the party leader, Ed Davey.