Rishi Sunak Addresses Tories at Conference

Rishi Sunak delivered his final speech as Conservative Party leader at this year's Tory conference, opting for a 'thank you' reception instead of the main stage, allowing contenders for his position to take center stage. He acknowledged the party's historic electoral defeat, expressing regret that members' efforts did not yield better results, but faced heckling from the audience who supported him. Sunak criticized Labour's attempts to 'rewrite history' and emphasized the need for unity among party members as they prepare for the leadership transition. His speech took place in a nightclub-style setting, contrasting sharply with previous conference events and highlighting a lighter atmosphere amidst the party's struggles. Leadership contenders, including Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick, are actively campaigning, with immigration and tax issues central to their platforms. The party is eager to expedite the leadership race, aiming to settle on a new leader before the upcoming budget.