Badenoch insists Tories ‘thrilled’ with policies as 20 more councillors defect

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleKemi Badenoch claimed the Conservative conference was "teeming" with activists and a "very good" event, despite visible empty seats and a lack of high-profile attendees. She insisted party members were "thrilled" with policies presented, including plans to leave the European Convention on Human Rights and implement significant public spending cuts. Reform UK announced the defection of at least 20 Conservative councillors, timing the news to overshadow Ms Badenoch's media interviews during the conference. The Conservative conference in Manchester resembled a ghost town compared to previous years, with fewer attendees, empty main halls, and a reduced number of exhibition stands. Ms Badenoch dismissed the councillor defections and ruled out any electoral pact with Reform UK, while acknowledging the complexities involved in withdrawing from the ECHR. In fullBadenoch claims Tory conference is ‘teeming’ despite empty seats, high-profile no-shows and Reform defectionsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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