Ranvir Singh to host two-day political convention in Preston

Ranvir Singh will be the host for Convention of the North 2025 in Preston Pic: Lancashire County Council

A two-day political convention in Preston is to be hosted by one of the city’s most famous faces.

Good Morning Britain presenter and political editor, Ranvir Singh, is to oversee the Convention of the North conference.

Taking place across County Hall and the University of Central Lancashire’s campus in mid-February the event aims to create a ‘powerful, unifying voice of the North’.

Ranvir who was born in the city and trained as a journalist at the city’s university also attended Kirkham Grammar School,

She went on to co-present BBC North West Tonight for many years before moving into morning TV, since hosting Lorraine and ITV News.

She is also Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire, appointed in 2017.

The Convention brings together 800 northern political leaders across Thursday 27 February and Friday 28 February.

Lancashire County Council say the 2025 conference will have a ‘particular focus on skills and innovation’.

Leader of the county council, Phillippa Williamson, said: “Hosting the Convention of the North in Preston is a moment of pride for Lancashire. This is our chance to show how our skills, innovation, and determination are driving economic growth and shaping a future we can all be proud of.

“With Ranvir at the helm, we’re ready to demonstrate Lancashire’s leading role on the national stage.”

The Convention comes as Lancashire attempts to proceed with its current Devolution deal, despite continued criticism from Labour MPs in the county and many district council leaders over the set up and agreement on the current deal. The government has also indicated the county will see a shake-up of how local government works in the future, with the creation of three to four ‘super councils’ replacing the current two-tier set up.

Convention organisers say the aim, in the post-general election period, is for the North to present a ‘clear, co-ordinated, cross-party agenda to the new government’.

Co-chair of the Convention, Clare Hayward, said: “The Convention of the North is now a landmark annual event for those interested and invested in the region.

“We are defining and creating our future by committing to a spirit of collaboration, focusing on our priorities to help close the UK’s productivity gap and using the dividends of devolution to unlock the region’s full potential for sustainable, healthy and inclusive growth.”

A full programme along with who is speaking at the conference is due to be announced later in January, with more details on the Convention of the North website.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.