Theresa May speech - as it happened: PM's speech overshadowed by protester handing over fake P45 and coughing fit
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Welcome to The Independent’s liveblog on the final day of the Conservative party conference.
It was supposed to be one of the most significant speeches of Theresa May's political career – her first address to the party faithful since gambling away the Conservatives’ majority at the snap election in June. But instead it was overshadowed by a series of unfortunate events. In one instance, a protestor breached security and handed the PM a P45 notice, claiming Boris Johnson, the Foreign Secretary, had asked him to do so. Then she lost her voice on multiple occasions and part of the set - “a country that works for everyone” - fell apart.
While there were some significant policy announcements in the speech – notably on organ donation, mental health, and a new mission to build more homes in Britain – they will undoubtedly be largely absent from any commentary. It is likely to go down as one of the most painfully agonising political speeches to watch in recent history.
Simon Brodkin, a comedian who performs under the stage name Lee Nelson, was bundled into a security tent to shield him from the press before being cuffed and escorted out of the Manchester conference centre.
He made no comment to The Independent as security guards rushed him outside but earlier shouted: "Boris made me do it. He's left me in the lurch."
Around the same time he also tweeted: "Hi Boris Johnson, I gave Theresa her P45 just like you asked."
The Prime Minister's major speech descended into chaos when Mr Brodkin handed her the form, which gave its 'Reason for termination' as: "Neither strong or stable. We're a bit worried about Jezza." The prankster rose to fame after gate crashing a Fifa press conference and throwing dollar bills at the outgoing president Sepp Blatter.
The audience quickly came to the rescue, giving her a standing ovation. The Chancellor Philip Hammond handed her a sweet.
She's now speaking about the NHS - her voice appears to have recovered. "It is a symbol of our commitment to each other - like most people in this hall it's been there for me when I've needed it.
"Recently it was the NHS that diagnosed my type 1 diabetes and helped me managed it."
This is a video from Buzzfeed's media correspondent - reporters are currently surrounding the man who interrupted May's speech to hand her a p45.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments