Little sign of Tory unity as factions jostle on first day of conference

Rishi Sunak's hopes of united front flounder with MPs and even ministers challenging policy and jockeying for position

Rishi Sunak is struggling to hold together his fractured party as the first day of the Conservative conference saw attempts at a united front collapse into rival groups battling over tax, culture wars and the fight to be the next Tory leader.

In his own carefully planned comments, the prime minister used interviews and a rally in Manchester to portray himself as a figure of change, making difficult but necessary long-term choices above the fray of petty politics.