Sunak presents himself as man to deliver ‘difficult’ political change

Rishi Sunak was expected to axe the HS2 line from Birmingham to Manchester as part of his approach.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delivering his conference speech (Danny Lawson/PA) (PA Wire)

Rishi Sunak set out his plan to fundamentally change the country as he prepared to axe the HS2 rail line from Birmingham to Manchester due to its spiralling cost.

The Prime Minister said there was an “undeniable sense that politics just doesn’t work the way it should” with a “broken system”.

Portraying himself as the man to take long-term decisions, he said he would act to defend “common sense” values.

Mr Sunak, who was introduced by wife Akshata Murty, told the conference in Manchester “change is difficult, particularly for those who disagree”.

But he said: “Where a consensus is false, we will challenge it. Where a vested interest is placing itself above the needs of the people, we will stop it.

“And where common sense is under attack from an organised assault we will defend it.”