Theresa May apologises as conference speech interrupted when she loses her voice after several minutes of coughing
Your support helps us to tell the story
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
Theresa May's conference speech teetered on the brink of disaster, as she repeatedly spluttered and coughed and lost her voice - forcing her to apologise.
For many agonising minutes, the Prime Minister rasped and reached for her glass of water as she desperately tried to revive her voice in front of a live TV audience of many millions.
She received a standing ovation and cheers from the Tory faithful, which did it best to help her recover and get her speech back on track.
And - after Philip Hammond appeared to hand her a cough sweet - Ms May quipped: "I hope you noticed that conference - the Chancellor giving something way for free."
Nevertheless, the embarrassing episode - echoing Iain Duncan Smith's notorious "frog in throat" problems - is certain to increase speculation that the Prime Minister's job is under threat.
More follows…
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments