Treasury Minister Announces Co-op Champion at UK Congress

19/06/2026

The UK’s co-op movement met for its annual Co-op Congress in Birmingham, last week with Economic Secretary to the Treasury (EST), Rachel Blake announcing a new champion for the sector.

It is hoped the new role will help to raise the profile of the sector and represent its interests across government.

The EST told delegates at the Co-operatives UK event: “We want to see the co-operative and mutual sector grow and thrive.

“We are committed to unlocking the full potential of the sector to support inclusive growth across the UK economy. This has been a priority from the beginning … We are making real progress.”

Rachel Blake, a Labour/Co-op MP, opened her speech by reiterating the government’s pledge to double the size of the UK co-operative economy, pointing to actions such as reforms of building society and credit union law, and the upcoming Law Commission review, and a review of the regulatory landscape.

“In its first year it has proven its value, bringing the sector together with government.”, said the EST.  “The call for evidence on the sector closed earlier this year and response from across the co-op movement has been especially valuable. This is not just a consultation, it is a catalyst.”

Following Rachel Blake to the stage, Co-operatives UK CEO, Rose Marley said the champion, still to be selected, will work across all government departments and help the movement to “tell our story more effectively”.

In a government release, Blair McDougall, minister for small business & economic transformation, said: “Co‑operatives and mutuals have a vital role to play in our Small Business Plan, rebuilding pride in place in the UK and supporting workers and communities.

“By appointing a co‑operatives and mutuals champion, we will shine a light on this model, breaking down barriers to businesses, and back our ambition to double the size of the sector.”

The two-day Co-op Congress brought wide-ranging discussion of the co-op movement, including a look at ways to grow the care and community energy sectors, debate on how co-ops fit into the place-based agenda, and the National Youth Summit.

Source – Co-op News