One of the most controversial policies of the coalition government, the Big Society has been variously heralded, vilified and ridiculed by voices from all sides of the political spectrum. Is the idea working? And is it a feasible long-term solution to a situation in which cuts to public spending are unavoidable?

Speakers:

Susan Nash, leader of Young Labour

Susan Nash is the National Chair of Young Labour. She was elected to lead Young Labour; supporting young members to get involved in events, campaigns and within the wider party. Susan is elected to provide leadership to young members and represent their views at a national level within the party and beyond.

Susan is also one of the trade union reps on the Young Labour national committee. Before being elected as Chair Susan was a Vice President in the National Union of Students.

Ben Howlett, national chair, Conservative Futures

As a member of Conservative Future for over 5 years, as a Councillor and Branch Chairman in Essex, as President of Durham University Conservatives and as a member of Cambridge University Conservatives, Ben has been part of CF at many levels remaining committed to empowering grassroots members.

Outside of Conservative Future Ben has worked as a political consultant for 5 years for a series of MPs and MEPs. He works as a Senior Consultant in a private sector recruitment consultancy, working on behalf of the NHS, which he cares about passionately.

He is a Committed member of the Conservative Party campaigning for MPs and Parliamentary Candidates nationwide, supporting successful key by-elections such as Crewe & Nantwich and Henley. He is a member of other Conservative related organisations including LGBTory and the Bow Group

Ben is committed to making CF work together, improving the organisation and ensuring that he fights to make CF properly led by its membership.

Other speakers to be announced