When is Rishi Sunak's speech at Conservative Conference 2023? Date, start time and how to watch a live stream

Rishi Sunak is preparing to deliver the 2023 Conservative Party conference speech – his first since becoming Prime Minister

Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak listens to a speaker address delegates at the annual Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, northern England, on October 2, 2023. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Rishi Sunak will deliver his conference speech on Wednesday (Photo: Getty)

October 2, 2023 4:44 pm(Updated October 4, 2023 10:20 am)

Rishi Sunak is preparing to deliver his 2023 Conservative Party conference speech – his first since becoming Prime Minister.

Some pundits believe it may also be his last, with the likes of Suella Braverman, James Cleverly and Kemi Badenoch all reportedly circling, ready to attempt to succeed him in the event of an election defeat to Labour.

Here’s when you can watch the Prime Minister’s speech, and what to expect.

When is Rishi Sunak’s speech?

The Prime Minister is due to deliver his speech at around 12 noon on Wednesday 4 October.

His speech will follow keynotes from Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, and Johnny Mercer, the minister for veterans’ affairs.

You can find a full agenda for the conference here.

How can I watch live?

There will be a livestream of the Prime Minister’s speech right here on this page.

It will also be streamed live on the Conservatives’ YouTube channel, which you can find here.

What will Rishi Sunak say?

Details of Mr Sunak’s speech are yet to be released, but he is likely to attempt to unite the party ahead of a likely general election next year.

The Tory party is said to be embroiled in a row over tax policy, with Cabinet minister Michael Gove and former prime minister Liz Truss among those pushing for cuts before the election.

But the Prime Minister and Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, are insistent that it is too soon to think about lowering taxes. Mr Hunt said on Monday it is “not the right time” for tax cuts as they would fuel inflation.

Mr Sunak is also facing opposition from within his own party over HS2. He is expected to overrule the concerns of Tory grandees, businesses and northern leaders by announcing a scrapping of a planned section of the high speed route between Birmingham and Manchester after being presented with plans from the Treasury.

A package appeared to have been signed off by Mr Hunt on Monday amid suggestions the pill could be sweetened by improvements for northern infrastructure.

Downing Street insists that “no final decisions” have been made, with Cabinet sign-off expected before an announcement.