Quote of the day
“If I may say so, the great hecatomb of pigs that you describe has not yet actually taken place. Let’s see what happens.” Boris Johnson, the prime minister, played down fears of a mass culls of pigs at farms because of a lack of abattoir workers.
Tweet of the day
A lot media speculation about the state of Anglo French relations in the last fortnight. But the Bond between our great countries has never been stronger #NoTimeToDie pic.twitter.com/NYe3NGCiLE
— Richard Graham (@RichardGrahamUK) October 3, 2021
Debate of the day
Although Johnson enjoyed relatively little flak from Conservative rebels as conference began, some could not contain their displeasure at the recently announced national insurance contributions hike.
The prime minister exacerbated those concerns when, pressed in an interview by the BBC on Sunday to rule out any further tax rises, he did not but insisted he would do everything possible to avoid them. Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers, chimed in during a fringe event on the meaning of Conservatism to call for any tax cuts to come into effect well in advance of the next election, offering the saying: “You can’t fatten a pig on market day.”
Jacob Rees-Mogg also admitted tax was “about the highest level it’s been since the war” and added: “We are at the upper reaches of the reasonableness of the tax bill.”
The day in a picture
Row of the day
Away from the political speeches and panel debates, most delegates made time to mingle in the conference centre at the dozens of stands representing a range of companies, charities and Conservative organisations. Some LGBT Conservative delegates were frustrated that LGB Alliance – an organisation that campaigns for people’s rights based on their sexual orientation and not gender identity – was given a stall only metres away from them.
The Guardian has been told some trans delegates have stayed away from conference this year because of LGB Alliance’s presence. While some Tory MPs were encouraged to sign a placard signalling their support for trans rights, others made pains to show solidarity with LGB Alliance. Jackie Doyle-Price said it was “nice to catch up with the lovely people” and encouraged others to “go and say hello”.
Monday’s highlights
In the relatively small auditorium, cabinet ministers taking centre stage will include the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, who will champion the success of his “plan for jobs” just after furlough ended. Other speeches will be made by the new levelling up secretary, Michael Gove, the recently promoted education secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, and the Brexit minister, Lord Frost, who will promote apparent opportunities now the UK has left the EU.
The Northern Ireland secretary, Brandon Lewis, will also host a question and answer session with Arlene Foster, the former DUP leader who helped sustain Theresa May’s government with a confidence and supply deal.
• This article was amended on 5 October 2021. A previous version incorrectly described “You can’t fatten a pig on market day” as a metaphor.
