As the Conservative Party conference launches in Manchester, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has announced a £1.1bn cash boost for towns across the UK that have been “overlooked” by traditional politicians. The funding will go towards revitalising high streets and tackling anti-social behaviour and is separate from the levelling up fund. Torquay, Kilmarnock and Rotherham are among the 55 towns that will receive funding over a decade.
The announcement comes as pressure mounts on Prime Minister Boris Johnson from his own party over issues including HS2 and tax cuts. Criticism has also arisen regarding the behaviour of MPs in Westminster. Former Home Secretary Priti Patel stated that “the country has looked at our party in government over the last 12 months and seen some pretty disappointing behaviour.” Meanwhile, Sunak’s predecessor Liz Truss is set to call for a reduction in corporation tax during the conference.
Prominent supporter and CEO of Iceland supermarkets Richard Walker has also resigned from the party. In a statement, he accused the Conservatives of having “lost its way” and being “out of touch.” Many Tory MPs are publicly calling for tax cuts, while others oppose the HS2 high-speed rail line project, including former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Theresa May.
While Sunak will not deliver his main speech until Wednesday, the conference has already drawn significant attention due to these internal party rifts. In her remarks, Truss noted that the Conservatives could still win the next election but must show a clear vision for the future.
The funding boost represents the government’s attempt to address economic inequality across the country and boost prosperity in towns that are often overshadowed by bigger cities. Sunak has stated that politicians have too often taken these towns for granted, leading to half-empty high streets and social problems that hold back progress. He believes that by putting money in the hands of local people, the government can work towards levelling up the UK
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