Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith took on The Guardian's Polly Toynbee on the subject of equality and poverty at one of the first Fabian fringes this year. Secretary of State James Purnell and Liam Byrne MP were among other speakers at our other fringes. The Election Starts Here session will include MP Jon Cruddas, Secretary of State Ed Balls and The Spectator's Fraser Nelson. Listen to our podcast about the events at the fringe this year here.  Themes this year include Lessons from America, and The White Working Class.

See the Fabian blog,Next Left , for more on the equality fringe.

This year the Fabian fringe is attracting a wide range of high-level speakers to its venue at Manchester Town Hall. Expect controversy and conflict at sessions including "Can We Give The White Working Class What They Want?" and Lessons From America: Can Hope Win?"

For full details  on all fringe events and speakers click here.