Birmingham stages Tory conference

The ICC is to hold the Tory Party conference in 2008 and 2010

The Conservative Party has decided to hold its annual conferences in 2008 and 2010 in Birmingham.

The International Convention Centre in the heart of the city was chosen from a list of five venues, party chairman Francis Maude said.

Mr Maude said the decision to move the venue had come after the success of the 2006 Spring Forum in Manchester.

He said he was "delighted" to bring the conference to the city that represented "dynamic and cosmopolitan Britain".

A decision on the location of the 2009 party conference is expected shortly.

"Having looked at the five venues across the country that can hold a full conference, we are keen to move the conference across the country," said Mr Maude.

"We have not ruled out returning to other venues in the future."