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In pictures

The Indy photo essay: Behind the scenes at Tory conference

Over three days in Manchester, photographer Antony Medley captured grandees schmoozing – and delegates snoozing – behind the scenes at the Conservative Party conference.

Wednesday 04 October 2023 14:27 BST
It’s all too much for one delegate
It’s all too much for one delegate (Antony Medley)

Thousands of Tory activists and organisers attended this week’s gathering, which could well be the last before the next general election.

After a year of chaos and party infighting, it has been more sombre than usual at the iconic Midland Hotel and around the conference centre.

But there was still plenty of quirky and eye-catching goings-on for our resident photographer to capture...

(Antony Medley)

Protesters gather in Manchester at the start of the Conservative Party conference

(Antony Medley)

Two young Tories enjoy a crafty cigarette break outside the convention centre.

(Antony Medley)

Tory councillors Jan Whitbourn and Liz Sneath outside the convention.

(Antony Medley)

Nigel Farage arrives for an interview with GB News.

(Antony Medley)

Liz Truss at the Great British Growth Rally.

(Antony Medley)

Liz Truss leaving the Trafford Room at the Midland Hotel.

(Antony Medley)

Rishi Sunak applauds Jeremy Hunt’s speech.

(Antony Medley)

A fringe meeting votes on the question: ‘Has Brexit failed?’

(Antony Medley)

Theresa May at the Conservative Environment Network.

(Antony Medley)

One delegate gets his bearings.

(Antony Medley)

Innocent badger protest, St Peter’s Square.

(Antony Medley)

Priti Patel and broadcaster John Pienaar outside the convention centre.

(Antony Medley)

Jeremy Hunt before a fringe event at the Centre for Policy Studies.

(Antony Medley)

Taking a nap during Alex Chalk’s speech.

(Antony Medley)

Suella Braverman visits the Guide Dog stand.

(Antony Medley)

James and Susie Cleverly leaving the convention centre after attending an evening drinks reception.

(Antony Medley)

Andrew Boff being ejected for heckling Suella Braverman’s speech

(Antony Medley)

Applause for Suella Braverman’s speech.

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