Tory conference will be full of intrigue

As delegates gather this weekend for the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, there will be little doubt about its importance. The ruling party has endured a torrid time in recent months.

Almost ripped asunder in the wake of the divisive European referendum, it was through necessity rather than a shared vision that they pulled together.

A farce of a snap general election followed, binding Labour closer under the previously beleaguered Jeremy Corbyn and destabilising Prime Minister Theresa May.

Were it not for the fact no one else was credible enough to lead the party, and the country, as Brexit negotiations began, she would already have given up the keys to 10 Downing Street.

Her speech in Florence may have steadied nerves before this week’s Brexit negotiations, but protests on both sides continue and will again grow in fervour.

Somehow she has ridden out the storm and clings to power but the sharks will be circling conference – a poor performance by Mrs May could spell the end.

Boris Johnson, especially, despite his numerous blunders, seems keen to try his hand at the top job and it would appear he has no shortage of backers.

A first conference for an election-winning government is not normally a stormy affair.

It will be different this time.