Rishi Sunak Appeals for Conservative Unity in Closing Speech,
Urges Halt to Internal Disputes
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| Img Credits: BBC |
Los Angeles/Sep 30, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/A.Gary Singh
Rishi Sunak has urged the Conservative Party to unite and support his successor as the leadership race comes to a close.
During a speech at the party’s Birmingham conference, Sunak stressed the importance of moving beyond internal conflicts, saying, "We must stop the infighting and focus on building new alliances."
In an unexpected move, Sunak opted not to give a major closing address, instead allowing the four leadership hopefuls to speak on Wednesday. He explained that he didn’t want to be a "distraction" during this critical moment.
Attendees gathered in Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, which had been transformed with dim lighting and glowing Conservative logos, to hear Sunak’s farewell remarks. His former team watched as he reflected on his tenure.
Sunak expressed sorrow over the party’s general election defeat, apologizing to members: "I am sorry I couldn’t deliver the victory you worked so hard for." A supporter called out from the crowd, "It wasn’t your fault."
He urged the party not to let Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer rewrite history, and celebrated the Conservatives’ 14 years in power. Sunak also poked fun at Starmer, joking about his fondness for free perks.
Sunak closed his speech with a strong call for party unity, warning that division could result in a Labour government. "We must remember what brings us together. When we turn against each other, we lose – and Labour wins."
He stressed the need to support the next leader, warning of tough times ahead. "Our new leader will need your full backing when challenges arise," Sunak said, before passing the conference over to the leadership candidates.
The speech was met with polite applause, though the atmosphere stayed subdued despite complimentary refreshments. At the same time, leadership candidates Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly, and Tom Tugendhat hosted their own events in close proximity.
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