As the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham draws to a close, Rishi Sunak has urged the party to unite behind whoever succeeds him as leader. Speaking to members at the conference, Sunak said the party must “end the division, the backbiting, the squabbling.” He also encouraged members not to “nurse old grudges” but to “build new friendships.”
In a break from tradition, Sunak announced he would not be delivering an end of conference speech. He cited his desire not to be a “distraction” to the four MPs vying to replace him, who will each give a 20-minute speech on Wednesday morning instead.
Party members queued for over an hour to attend Sunak’s farewell speech. The Symphony Hall, normally a classical music venue, was fitted with blue neon Conservative logos to create a nightclub-like atmosphere. As former members of Sunak’s Downing Street operation looked on, the outgoing leader began by apologising for the party’s defeat in the last general election.
Sunak went on to emphasise the importance of party unity, warning that the Conservatives needed to avoid turning in on themselves if they were to regain power. He also warned against Labour’s attempts to “rewrite history” and celebrated the party’s record of 14 years in office.
Despite offering free drinks, the conference crowd was unenthusiastic throughout Sunak’s speech. Meanwhile, the four contenders to replace Sunak held their own competing events nearby.
In ending his speech, Sunak called on the party to ensure that “one of our four candidates is not just the next leader of our party but our next prime minister too.” He reminded members that the new leader would need their support, especially when the going gets tough.
Sunak’s message of unity was met with warm applause and some shouted “Rishi! Rishi!” Despite the lacklustre atmosphere, Sunak’s call for the party to unite behind its next leader offers hope that the Conservatives can rebuild after their 2019 electoral defeat
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