Conservative Party conferences of old were packed out events bustling with ministers, MPs, lobbyists and members.

Roll on just over a year after their biggest defeat ever, and the Tories' gathering in Manchester, from 5-8 October, will be a more sober affair.

Despite their recent loss, last year's conference was anything but subdued as it was turned into a hustings for their new leader to replace Rishi Sunak. Cue: a bit of a bun fight.

A month later, Kemi Badenoch was crowned leader. So this conference not only marks a year after that abysmal result but also nearly a year of Ms Badenoch in charge.

A series of policy announcements are expected throughout the conference, with the first today being an eye-catching vow to create an ICE-style "removals force" to tackle illegal immig

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