FROM THE CHAIR

Few prime ministers ever give rise to an “ism”, and it’s too soon to say whether our new party leader will join that exclusive club; it has, however, taken less than three weeks for commentators to coin “Trussonomics”. With the “shock and awe” of the biggest mini-Budget in history still making waves, we should assume there will be much more change to come. This is unlikely to be a dull Conference, as ministers tell us more of their plans to turbocharge growth.

We are pleased to carry a piece from the Prime Minister, in which she gives further insight into her plans for the two years leading up to the general election. It looks increasingly unlikely that we will hear that perennial complaint on the doorsteps that people won’t vote because “we’re all the same!”.

Our lead interview for this special Conference edition is with newly appointed Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, who has had a whirlwind few months, from running for Conservative leader to announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth II to the Privy Council. She has grand designs, hoping to help deliver the government’s agenda while developing a stronger connection between politicians and the people. She also tells us about how she’ll be tackling the challenge of improving Parliament – from its crumbling physical structures to recent complaints about a culture of sleaze.

We also speak to influential former chief Brexit negotiator Lord Frost, who in a punchy interview with John Johnston takes aim at the “vindictiveness” of some in Brussels, at the previous cabinet, and even the House of Lords as an institution. And we chat to Samuel Kasumu, fresh out of Number 10 and now a Conservative mayoral candidate keen to be – for the Hamilton fans among you – in “the room where it happens”.

We have a huge line up of op-eds. We hear from select committee chairs including Tobias Ellwood, Jeremy Hunt and Robert Halfon, as well as former ministers Lord Harrington, Brooks Newmark and John Redwood. Elsewhere, Alicia Kearns and Matt Warman are among those to offer up their personal manifestos. You also may have noticed that this conference takes place during Black History Month, so we hear from four Black British activists on what the government needs to do to better support their communities.

We have plenty of features to keep you entertained between the many parties and receptions. Being a former prime minister must be something of a life challenge. Robert Hutton’s hilarious feature on the various types of former PM suggests different souls have adapted to this unfortunate change of circumstances in any number of ways. And what of those who herald the beginning of the end? The 1922 Committee – which, as I well know, has been rather busy of late(!) – is approaching its centenary. Even the most seasoned Parliament-watchers will find Andrew Southern’s history fascinating. We’re also grateful to Paul Goodman for a compelling analysis of where the Conservative Party is right now.

And there’s plenty of fun too: Gary Sambrook gives us a tour of Birmingham Northfield, Tracey Crouch talks to us about her love of football, Tanya Gold asks why we’re all here, and Patrick

Kidd reminds us of a particularly apposite Conference speech of old.

All this and more in your House magazine Conference special!