It has been a challenging period for the Conservative party recently. Kemi Badenoch and her colleagues made a return to Manchester, the location of their previous visit in 2023, marred by a botched HS2 announcement and an incident where then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman apologized for an unfortunate incident involving a Guide Dog.
This time around, the party faced a mix of issues, including empty seats, mishandled merchandise, and internal disputes, making it an eventful few days for the official opposition.
Some standout moments from the conference included a spelling error on chocolate bars distributed at the event, with a slogan stating, “When Labour negotiates, Britain loses,” drawing criticism from a Labour source for the oversight. Additionally, there were peculiar speeches, like Robert Jenrick’s unconventional performance, where he veered off his justice brief to make controversial remarks about Keir Starmer and Britain’s judges.
Moreover, the absence of Kemi Badenoch’s presence in the party merchandise at the conference, in contrast to the prominence of Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill displays, raised eyebrows among attendees. The party’s immigration proposals and internal disagreements, such as the conflicting views on serving in government with Reform UK, also added to the conference’s tumultuous atmosphere.
The event also saw moments of tension, like Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp being confronted for using his phone during a discussion and a heated debate on gender identity led by Conservative London Assembly member Andrew Boff. Furthermore, the party’s unconventional approach to messaging, including satirical gestures like distributing a mock-up Reform UK manifesto in cigarette pack style, added a quirky touch to the proceedings.
Despite the challenges and controversies, the conference showcased a mix of serious policy discussions, internal dissent, and light-hearted moments, reflecting the diverse dynamics within the Conservative party.