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It is the final political conference of the season. Last year the Conservatives were in Manchester, this time they are in Birmingham.

The Chancellor and MP for Tatton, George Osborne, makes his key address to the conference on Monday morning.

Of course, he is working through the details of the Spending Review. I interviewed him for the North West Politics Show and he would not be drawn on whether he believes too many people are employed in the public sector in the region.

Critics say the Tories have been energetic in finding areas for cuts but less good at developing strategies for growth.

So it was a little surprising to hear Mr Osborne give clear support for plans to build a second bridge connecting Runcorn and Widnes, a project known as the Mersey Gateway.

"The Mersey Gateway is an incredibly important project and something I am really number-crunching now to make sure we are in a position to say something positive.

"I can't do that today.

"But that's a good example of how I want to invest in the big infrastructure projects that are going to help our economy grow in the regions, not just in the South East of England," he said.

This is the kind of project which will appeal to the private sector. Not only will it create business, it should also lead to greater economic productivity once built.

Also on Monday the Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond, is expected to make a few announcements. Many people in the North West will be keenly listening for that one.

And on Tuesday evening the Mersey Gateway project is sponsoring a fringe event here for local government. They will be hoping for something to celebrate.

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