In the old days the party conferences were sometimes interesting with rank and file members giving their leaders a bloody nose or at least having an influence on policies. But nowadays the top table dictate the policies and the members either agree or get ejected if they disagree. Therefore why bother having them at all apart from the flag waving and tacitly nodding as decisions are rubber stamped. Are they not just absolutely boring and a waste of time.

 

The Tory conference has always been a rally - it has never made policy. The Labour conference hsa been moving in the same direction in recent years. Of the three main parties, only the Lib Dem conference actually decides party policy.

If you like politics this is quite a highlight. It also gives a chance for some party harmony or disharmony to come out.

These conferences could be a time to bring new ideas to the table and discuss them in private.

 

They are worthwhile, in my view more so then before.