Summary
The article discusses the challenges faced by the Conservative Party during their conference. The party is struggling to maintain attention and support while trying to promote new policies against a backdrop of growing popularity for Reform UK.
Key Facts
- The Conservative Party is facing difficulties being heard during their conference.
- There were many empty seats during a major speech by shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride.
- The party is no longer the main voice of opposition as they were in previous years.
- Reform UK is gaining popularity and engaging voters more effectively than the Conservatives.
- Some former Conservative members have joined Nigel Farage's Reform UK.
- The party aims to reduce government spending by around £50 billion by cutting benefits, foreign aid, and the civil service.
- There is a focus on boosting economic credibility with plans like scrapping business rates in England.
- Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative leader, faces challenges in gaining and maintaining attention.