I can understand the disappointment expressed by local businesses in Brighton and Hove on learning of The Labour Party’s intention to hold their next few conferences away from Brighton.

Nothing stays the same for ever, and this is certainly the case with efforts which have been made by two of this country’s biggest cities (Liverpool and Manchester) to reinvent themselves.

Both are culturally very strong. They, like Brighton, have some very fine buildings but they are much bigger than Brighton.

That said, with the rapid decline in popularity of the three main parties, will these conferences be such huge affairs in the not too distant future? I expect next year’s general election may give some clues here.

Brighton is a fabulous city. It is well run and has so many successful businesses and it is very good at what it does. Brighton is never boring!

I think a key part with Brighton’s quest to be more generally recognised by businesses as a city in which to thrive will be when the new chief executive takes up his duties.

He obviously has a lot of experience with what I believe is generally recognised as being one of the best-run councils in the country (Westminster City Council). Hopefully he will soon be able to bring his expertise for the good of Brighton and Hove.

Ian Steedman

Wakehurst Court, Worthing