Boris Johnson speech time: PM to address Tory conference as Diane Abbott faces Dominic Raab at PMQs

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will round off the Tory Party conference today with his keynote speech.

Mr Johnson is set to deliver his address in Manchester at 11.40am.

But over in Westminster, Prime Minister's Questions will go ahead as usual in his absence.

It is because Parliament refused to grant a temporary recess while the Tory conference took place.

It means foreign secretary Dominic Raab has been sent to London to take Mr Johnson's place.

As is convention, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will stand down because his counterpart Mr Johnson will not be present.

A file image of Diane Abbott in the Commons chamber (PA)

In Mr Corbyn's place will be Diane Abbott, who will become the first black MP to represent their party at Prime Minister’s Questions.

This #BlackHistoryMonth we're inspired by the struggles of black campaigners, including the first black MPs elected in 1987.

Tomorrow one of those pioneering MPs, a child of the Windrush Generation, Diane Abbott, will be the first black person to represent their party at #PMQs. pic.twitter.com/WlCo3WnkSY

— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn)

October 1, 2019

Ms Abbott, who in 1987 was the first black MP to be elected to the House of Commons, will stand in for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn at the weekly session.

The shadow home secretary and Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP said she is “looking forward” to it.

Making the announcement, Mr Corbyn tweeted: “This #BlackHistoryMonth we're inspired by the struggles of black campaigners, including the first black MPs elected in 1987.

“Tomorrow one of those pioneering MPs, a child of the Windrush Generation, Diane Abbott, will be the first black person to represent their party at #PMQs.”