Unions and community action groups gathered to discuss how to act against cuts to local services.
New legislation aimed at curbing union powers has been has been labelled an assault on workers’ rights by one local official.
Some of the North West’s most influential females came together to inspire other women to lead.
TUC leader Brendan Barber has said it would be a “disaster for the country” if students are priced out of university by high tuition fees.