UK politics live: ‘Pathetic’ to blame economic meltdown on me, Liz Truss tells Tory conference
Former PM Liz Truss dismissed claims that her mini-budget was to blame for the disastrous state of the economy
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Liz Truss has told the Conservative Party conference that it is “pathetic” to claim she is to blame for the economic meltdown follwoing her mini-budget.
During a fringe event, the unrepentant former prime minister dismissed Theresa May’s claim that she destroyed the party’s reputation after her economic policies.
She also lashed out at the four Tory MPs vying to replace Rishi Sunak as the party’s leader, claiming she will not endorse any of the candidates.
But she agreed with Kemi Badenoch’s controversial comments about maternity pay being “excessive”, and revealed she would be “really happy” with Robert Jenrick‘s suggestion to have the Star of David at UK borders.
It comes after Mr Jenrick described illegal migrants as “terrorists on our streets terrorising our citizens” during a rally at the conference.
During his speech, the former minister said the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is a “leave or die” issue for the Tories and urged to exit the convention.
Mr Jenrick also called for the Star of David to be displayed at every point of entry to the UK to show “we stand with Israel” while wearing a “Hamas Are Terrorists” hoodie at a Conservative Friends of Israel fringe event.
The Independent’s political team will be reporting live throughout the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham.
Tugendhat and Badenoch face questions from Tory members on conference main stage
Rosie Duffield claims Keir Starmer ‘has problem with women’ after quitting Labour
Keir Starmer tightens rules on gifts and donations after Rosie Duffield’s ‘avarice’ accusation
Tory Party conference: John Rentoul answers your questions – from the next leader to winning back voters
The UK is in desperate need of an effective opposition
Pictured: Rishi Sunak during Conservative Party conference speech
Conservative party chairman urges rivals to stop ‘blue-on-blue attacks'
Richard Fuller, chairman of the Conservative Party, has urged the leadership contestants to “stop and think” and unite behind whoever wins the contest.
He told Times Radio: “Myself, the shadow chief whip and the head of the 1922 Committee (of backbench MPs) were very clear at the start, we wanted a campaign where there was no blue-on-blue (attacks).”
He added: “Each of them should stop and think about: they want to lead a party, would they want all of their colleagues who are unsuccessful – should they be elected – to go off into their own corners, or would they want them to come in behind them as leader?
“And I think when they do stop and think they’ll realise that they should be all on one team.”
On comments made by Kemi Badenoch about maternity leave provision, Mr Fuller said: “It’s important that the media are able to challenge our politicians, but equally, if you want to have coherent governance, you’ve got to give our politicians some space to do exactly what you said, to stop, think and then clarify.
“And that’s exactly what Kemi did.”
COMMENT | Is this the moment that Rachel Reeves put ‘what works’ before dogma?
Ditch the non-dom tax, chancellor – and bring in a Robin Hood tax instead, writes John Rentoul:
Is this the moment that Rachel Reeves put ‘what works’ before dogma?
Ditch the non-dom tax, chancellor – and bring in a Robin Hood tax instead, writes John Rentoul
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments