Labour Party Conference – Championing Mutuals and Credit Unions

Wednesday 1 October 2025

ABCUL joined colleagues from across the mutual and co-operative movement at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool this week, representing credit unions across the country and as part of the Mutuals and Co-operatives Sector Business Council’s response to government’s commitment to doubling the size of the sector.

It was also an opportunity to educate Labour Party members and politicians in the role that credit unions play in delivering financial inclusion as HM Treasury finalises its Financial Inclusion Strategy.

Sunday saw a packed fringe event, Delivering Inclusive Growth, co-hosted by ABCUL alongside Co-operatives UK, the Association of Financial Mutuals, the Employee Ownership Association, and the Building Societies Association. Chaired by Robin Fieth of the BSA, the panel featured Andrew Pakes MP (Chair of the APPG for Mutuals), Ciara Davies (Metro Moneywise Credit Union & ABCUL Director), Rose Marley (Co-operatives UK), and James de le Vingne (EOA).

Discussions focused on how the sector can work with the new Labour Government to deliver on its ambition of doubling the sector’s role in the British economy. Speakers underlined the central role that mutuals – including credit unions, building societies, co-ops and employee-owned businesses – play in building a more inclusive, resilient and community-focused economy.

The following day saw events hosted by BSA, the Co-operative Party and John Lewis Partnership which heard directly from Lucy Rigby KC MP (Economic Secretary to the Treasury) and Blair McDougall doubling agenda. Lucy is also responsible for the Financial Inclusion Strategy as part of her role as City Minister. Both ministers reinforced the Government’s commitment to expanding the role of the mutual sector in driving inclusive economic growth.

ABCUL Chief Executive, Matt Bland said: “It is clear that the new Government sees credit unions and the wider co-op and mutual sector as key partners in delivering a fairer and more inclusive economy. I am particularly keen to ensure that there is recognition of how the co-ops agenda and the financial inclusion strategy are clearly linked and mutually reinforcing.

“While the support from government is really encouraging, we cannot afford to stand still. This is a moment of opportunity to grasp with both hands, and as a sector we must show we are ready to rise to the challenge.

“I see ABCUL’s role not simply as representing our members but bringing the whole credit union movement together so that alongside our co-op and mutual colleagues, we can deliver the scale of change and impact the Government is looking for.”