IN what was a spirited yet sombre farewell, Rishi Sunak, the outgoing leader of the Conservative Party, called for unity and an end to internal squabbles during his final address at the party’s conference in Birmingham.

The former Prime Minister urged the party to come together behind the new leader, who will be selected to succeed him. He emphasized the importance of forgetting past conflicts and forging new alliances.

“This is not a time for division or dwelling on past grievances. We must build new friendships and strengthen our party,” Sunak told a packed room at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, which was atmospherically transformed from a classical music venue into a dynamic event space with neon Conservative logos and dimmed lights.

Breaking from convention, Sunak opted out of delivering the customary closing speech of the conference to avoid overshadowing the four candidates vying for his position. Each candidate is set to deliver a 20-minute pitch to the party faithful on Wednesday morning.

Sunak’s speech was reflective and apologetic as he expressed regret over the party’s recent electoral losses. “I am truly sorry that we did not achieve the results our dedicated members deserved,” he acknowledged. His remarks were met with supportive shouts from the audience, reinforcing his popularity among party members.

He defended the Conservatives’ 14-year tenure in government against Labour’s criticism, poking fun at Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s penchant for accepting freebies. “This conference is such a hot ticket, I’m surprised Keir hasn’t asked someone to buy it for him,” Sunak quipped, eliciting laughter from the audience.

Despite the jovial moments, the tone was serious as Sunak highlighted the critical need for unity, particularly with a potential Labour government on the horizon. “We must focus on what unites us, not what divides us. When we turn inwards, we lose, and the country risks a Labour government,” he stated emphatically.

Concluding his speech, Sunak expressed his hope for the future leadership of the party. “Our new leader will need your full support, especially when challenges arise. Let’s use this conference as a platform to look forward and ensure that one of our candidates is not just the next party leader but also our next prime minister.”

As the speech ended, attendees applauded, occasionally chanting “Rishi! Rishi!” Despite the offered free drinks, the atmosphere remained subdued, reflective of the party’s contemplative mood as it faces a significant transitional period.

The evening also saw potential successors, including Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly, and Tom Tugendhat, hosting their own events nearby, gearing up for the impending leadership contest.

IN a stark warning ahead of the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies has declared that the party faces an “existential crisis” and must urgently reform or “die” following its catastrophic defeat in the recent general election.

Mr. Davies insisted that the party must issue an apology to both the Welsh and British public for failing to fulfil its immigration pledges. He stressed the innate conservative values of the Welsh electorate, suggesting that a return to these principles could secure future electoral victories.

Addressing party members and activists at the Birmingham’s International Convention Centre, he highlighted the alienation of Welsh voters caused by the party’s “dogmatic” economic policies. Mr. Davies argued for a shift towards practical economic solutions to address perceived inequalities and injustices.

On the topic of immigration, Mr. Davies advocated for a “zero tolerance” stance, calling for swift deportations of those in the UK illegally. This, he claimed, is necessary to address the challenges posed by globalisation and mass migration, which he believes have undermined Welsh communities and industries.

The leader also criticised the Labour Welsh government for its “extreme metropolitan worldview and soft nationalism,” which he blamed for prioritising policies like 20mph speed limits and the expansion of the Senedd over improving public services such as the NHS and education.

In a candid admission, Mr. Davies acknowledged the need for the Conservative Party to overhaul its image and approach, particularly concerning economic issues, urging a move away from ideological rigidity towards pragmatic realism.

“By proudly reflecting our conservative values, we will persuade [voters] to back the Welsh Conservatives,” he asserted. “But we must also change how we are perceived on the economy. We must be seen as pragmatists, not ideologues.”

Mr. Davies concluded with a dire forecast: “If our party changes, we’ll recover quickly, and we’ll succeed in 2026 and 2029. But if we don’t, we’ll die. That’s the choice.”

The conference continues as the party debates the direction and policies that Mr. Davies has put forward, with the shadow Welsh Secretary, Byron Davies, also emphasising the need for a robust policy platform beyond mere criticism of the Welsh Labour government.

THE ROYAL Voluntary Service is calling on residents in Pembrokeshire to play their part as volunteer drivers.

The charity is urgently looking to recruit 10 volunteer drivers to drive people to medical appointments.

The call comes as new research by the charity paints a stark picture of the difficulties faced by non-drivers including increased isolation, missed medical appointments and declining mental health.

The research found nearly half (46%) of non-drivers¹ over 70 have missed healthcare appointments due to a lack of transportation, and of these, 96% have missed more than one². One in five (40%) respondents are also missing the independence driving provided and report feeling frustrated (35%), isolated (20%) and trapped (24%). One in four respondents (25%) say not driving has negatively impacted their happiness.

Volunteer Drivers make a big difference by offering both practical and emotional support. More than just getting someone from A to B, volunteers help combat isolation and support wellbeing by providing a friendly face and a chance to chat, something particularly valued by those who may struggle to get out as much as they would like.

Simon Rickard, Service Manager for Royal Voluntary Service said: “Our research highlights the serious impact not having access to transport can have on people’s lives, particularly the isolation and anxiety it can cause. Our Volunteer Drivers play a vital role in counteracting these effects, offering not just transport but a crucial connection to the community. We’re urging locals to join our volunteer team in Pembrokeshire. Just a few hours of your time could make a world of difference to the health, and happiness, of the person in your passenger seat.”

Volunteer Drivers use their own vehicles to provide transport for local people. Royal Voluntary Service will provide all necessary training and travel expenses are reimbursed. This role offers flexible hours, allowing volunteers to choose how much time they would like to contribute. By giving even just a couple of hours, a volunteer can make a big difference to someone’s wellbeing and happiness.

Volunteer driving is just one of the rewarding roles available with Royal Voluntary Service, people looking to find out more and play their part in supporting their community in Pembrokeshire can visit: royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/volunteering