Conservative politicians and activists were today descending on Birmingham as their party conference prepares to start amid tight security.

Hundreds of West Midlands Police officers have been brought in to ensure the event goes smoothly, controlled from the force’s new £2 million ‘events control suite’ at Tally Ho! in Edgbaston.

The bill for policing the four-day conference, which starts tomorrow, is not being revealed, although it cost £6.5 million to cover the Labour conference in 2008.

MPs in the West Midlands today the said the conference would be worth the expense and invonvenience

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson said: “It is the first time in modern history that a party in government is meeting in Birmingham.

“I think that shows the importance of the West Midlands in the country.”

As well as Prime Minister David Cameron’s address, there will be speeches on reforming welfare and tackling global poverty, plus debates on crime, defence and foreign affairs.

West Midlands MPs will be aiming to put issues such as the economy, manufacturing, health, job creation and wealth at the top of the agenda.

Stourbridge MP Margot James will be chairing a debate on issues relating to long-term care and the financing of it.

She said: “There is an extremely positive mood in the party. There is a lot of support among Conservative voters for the coalition and the contributions the Lib Dems are making.”

Paul Uppal, chairman of the All Party Urban Development Group, said he was planning a meeting with business leaders and organisations to discuss ways and means of pushing the regeneration agenda forward.

The Wolverhampton South West MP said: “I will be talking to various people and groups wanting to create investment and economic growth across the country.”

Bridgnorth MP Philip Dunne said: “One of the benefits of going to a party conference is the access that you get to senior colleagues.

“Now we are in Government, I will be discussing with ministers the specific issues affecting Shropshire.”

As a whip, he will be attending daily meetings with other party “enforcers.