Conservative party conference starts in Birmingham

It comes after the Chancellor's mini-budget triggered economic chaos.

Author: Kellie MaddoxPublished 2nd Oct 2022

More than 11,000 delegates are expected in Birmingham for the next four days, as the Conservative party conference takes place at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Hyatt hotel and other venues.

The event will be held in very different circumstances to what Prime Minister Liz Truss would have hoped.

Since her Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng announced big tax cuts as part of the mini-budget, the value of the pound's plummeted and nearly half of mortgages have been pulled.

The measures have drawn strong criticism from opposition groups, but Ms Truss has defended Government borrowing aimed at cutting taxes to promote economic growth.

As well as main event speeches from top ministers, dozens of fringe events are expected to focus on themes including levelling up, public health and international issues like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Today will see speakers including defence secretary Ben Wallace, Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street. It will be preceded by tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

All eyes will be on Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng on Monday as he takes to the stage on a day headlined as “delivering a growing economy”.

On Tuesday, the health secretary, Thérèse Coffey, and the home secretary, Suella Braverman, will speak on a day headlined “delivering better public services”.

Liz Truss will make her prime ministerial conference debut on Wednesday, the last day of the conference, some time between 10am and midday.