DUP Conference 2026
What to Expect
The DUP Party Conference 2026 takes place this weekend at the La Mon Hotel and Country Club in Comber and comes at an important time for the party as it looks ahead to the 2027 Assembly Election. The conference will be the third under the leadership of Gavin Robinson MP and the second with Michelle McIlveen MLA serving as Deputy Leader.
Where the DUP Currently Stands
The party enters conference against a challenging electoral backdrop. According to the latest LucidTalk/Belfast Telegraph Summer 2026 Tracker Poll, the DUP is polling at 15%, down three percentage points from the previous poll and sitting behind both Sinn Féin and the Ulster Unionist Party.
Despite this decline in support, the DUP remains one of Northern Ireland's largest political parties and continues to hold the position of Deputy First Minister through Emma Little-Pengelly MLA. The conference is therefore expected to focus both on the party's record in government and on how it intends to strengthen its position ahead of the next election.
A key question for party strategists will be how the DUP responds to increasing competition within unionism, particularly from the UUP, while retaining its position as a leading force within Northern Ireland politics. The conference provides an opportunity for party leaders to outline how they intend to address these challenges over the coming year.
Conference Agenda and Key Themes
The day will begin with a series of speeches covering justice, support for victims, economic growth, community development and Northern Ireland's place within the United Kingdom. Contributions from Ministers, MLAs and councillors are expected to reinforce the party's central political and policy priorities. [
Other sessions throughout the day will focus on a range of policy issues, including:
Shaping the Future of Our Health Service
Building Common Cause for Common Sense
Standing Up for Victims
Promoting a Fairer Justice System
Keeping Our Economy Moving Forward
Building Stronger Communities
Delivering the Best Start for Every Child
Strengthening Unionism ahead of the 2027 Assembly Election
Securing the Best Deal for Northern Ireland
Health is expected to be one of the most prominent policy themes of the conference, with a dedicated breakout session bringing together politicians and healthcare stakeholders to discuss the future direction of Northern Ireland's health service. Representatives from primary care and the voluntary sector will participate in the discussion, alongside elected representatives.
Senior figures including Emma Little-Pengelly MLA, Michelle McIlveen MLA and Party Leader Gavin Robinson MP will address delegates throughout the day, with Mr Robinson's keynote speech expected to be the central event of the conference. His address is likely to provide the clearest indication yet of the DUP's political messaging and priorities heading into the final months before the 2027 election campaign formally begins.
Looking Ahead
Overall, the conference is expected to focus on the DUP's plans for economic growth, public service reform, support for communities and the future of unionism. With the next Assembly election now less than a year away, speeches and policy discussions throughout the day are likely to offer important insight into the themes, priorities and messages the party hopes will resonate with voters in 2027.