Topics discussed include the treatment of Russell Brand by the papers, Rishi Sunak's climate U-turn, the authors behind the Daily Mail's opinion pieces, Rupert Murdoch's step down, the corporate side of Party Conferences, and the practice of booking lounges and buying lobbying access at events.
Party conferences serve as a platform for companies to promote their products and influence political representatives.
Corporate-funded meetings at party conferences provide opportunities for lobbying and pitching industry agendas.
Deep dives
Corporate presence at party conferences
Party conferences not only feature main speeches, but also include corporate activity such as marquees, presentations, displays, and lounges. Companies use these platforms to catch the attention of political representatives and promote their products or services. The presence of big corporations highlights the sometimes peculiar relationship between politics and corporate interests.
Examples of corporate presence
Various companies and organizations participate in party conferences. For instance, Sainsbury's offers a scalextric racing experience to relive childhood memories. Heathrow and Lloyds Bank also provide exclusive lounges for conference attendees. Vaping companies have been known to organize events, although their participation may be subject to scrutiny.
Lobbying and corporate access
Many companies hire lobbyists to gain access to influential politicians. Think tanks often organize meetings on behalf of corporate sponsors, creating opportunities for discussions and lobbying. Some corporate-sponsored meetings even feature ministers or shadow spokespeople, providing a chance for the industry to raise their concerns or pitch their agendas.
Financial aspects of party conferences
Party conferences have a financial aspect, generating revenue for the parties involved. Corporates typically pay to have a presence at the conference, while journalists and delegates usually attend for free. The conferences serve as both political events and financial ventures for the parties hosting them.
Ian, Helen, Adam and Andrew cover how the papers treated Russell Brand, Rishi Sunak’s climate U-turn, who really writes the Daily Mail's opinion pieces and Rupert Murdoch’s long-awaited step down (or sideways). Plus, Solomon Hughes provides an indispensable guide to the corporate side of Party Conferences, and where to get the best snacks.
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