This weekend the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, visited Chester for Labour's first regional conference in government for 15 years and its first ever in Chester. 

The Deputy Prime Minister was also joined by other senior cabinet members including the Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, the Leader of the House of Commons, Lucy Powell, Minister for Housing, and Communities and Local Government, Jim McMahon. 

At the event, ministers talked about the work the new government is doing to deliver change for the people of Cheshire, from increased investment in public services such as the NHS, local policing and local councils, to plans to tackle the housing crisis. 

The Deputy Prime Minister thanked Labour activists in attendance for their efforts in helping the Party win back power and noted the difference Labour in government can make to people and communities in Cheshire and across Britain, highlighting some of the new government's achievements in its first six months in power. 

In her keynote speech, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: "The change of government isn't just a change of the colour on our rosette. 

"Just look at our agenda. Look at what we are already delivering.

"Free breakfast clubs launched; a new generation of teachers being recruited; a £22bn boost to get our NHS back on its feet.

"Great British Energy launched; new rights and protections for renters and a plan to end leasehold for good.

"£12 an hour minimum wage; buses back in public hands; and just this week Parliament passed an act that will bring our railways back into public ownership.

"More action in six months, than the last lot managed in 14 years. That's what change means."

In a housing panel discussion, Minister Jim McMahon MP talked about Labour's plans to tackling the housing crisis.

He talked about the need to build more houses, particularly more affordable housing for those struggling to get onto the housing ladder, but also Labour's plans to do this that focus on brownfield land first, and ensure protection for green spaces. 

Minister Jim McMahon (Image via: the Labour Party)

He also stressed the importance of taking local communities along with plans and ensuring that new developments come with adequate supporting infrastructure, like more doctors' surgeries and schools so that existing local services are not overburdened. 

The Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy MP also addressed the conference.

In her speech, she paid tribute to the important contribution of historic towns like Chester to the country's history and culture offer.

Lisa Nandy at Labour Conference (Image via: the Labour Party)

She also talked about Labour's new culture strategy and plans to rebuild the sector, following the damage endured during the pandemic and 14 years of reduced funding under the Conservatives. 

The conference was opened by the MP for Chester North and Neston, Sam Dixon, who spoke of her pride for Chester.

In her speech she said: "Having this important conference take place in Chester, for the first time since our historic Labour General Election victory, is a very proud moment for me as the local member of Parliament.

"And I know I am biased, but I am truly honoured to represent this beautiful city in Parliament.

"Chester is a special place, steeped in history, and populated with wonderful people with strong resilience and a great sense of community spirit."

Sam Dixon MP (Image via: the Labour Party)

At the General Election in July, Labour achieved a historic victory winning a landslide of seats from the Tories, including several seats in Cheshire for the first time ever in Congleton, Macclesfield and Mid-Cheshire. 

MPs from across Cheshire and the North West attended the conference along with council leaders, councillors and members.

Sarah Russell, Labour's new MP for Congleton, also addressed the conference, speaking of her commitment to delivering on the priorities of local people and her pride at being the first ever Labour MP for the area.