Ministers say James Cleverly is the candidate they do not want as the next Tory leader.

The interim chair of the Conservatives will say he is 'deeply sorry' for the Tories' election humiliation in July as he opens their first conference in opposition for 15 years.

The former PM, who led the Conservatives to their worst ever general election result in July, is making a fleeting appearance at the party's conference in Birmingham.

Mr Sunak said he 'sorry was your efforts could not deliver the results you deserved' as he met activists in Birmingham this afternoon.

Robert Jenrick told the Tory Party Conference 'let's put Nigel Farage out of business', but the Reform UK leader hit back and accused him of being a fake hardliner

The deeply unusual event was billed as a 'thank you reception' - and will be Rishi Sunak's only appearance at this year's conference - and he had a message for the people battling to replace him

Rishi Sunak makes a farewell speech as Tory leader to hall packed with cheering party members.

Rishi Sunak has apologised to Tory members for the party's election humiliation - as he gave his last speech as leader of his party.