This time last year there was a notable absence at Tory party conference: Rishi Sunak. Fresh from losing the summer leadership contest, the former chancellor opted to stay away from the annual meet to allow Liz Truss to ‘own the moment’. It didn’t exactly go well for Truss – the then-prime minister faced various rebellions from her own MPs and cabinet. One year on Truss – now on the backbenches – has no plans to return the favour. She will be a prominent figure at this year’s conference.
‘I need her there like I need a hole in the head,’ says one Sunak-sympathetic MP
Those close to the former prime minister explain that she loves conference and hasn’t missed one for years. However, several Tory MPs believe her presence risks being a big distraction as the party tries to regroup and focus on next year’s election. ‘I need her there like I need a hole in the head,’ one Sunak-sympathetic MP previously said to me.
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