The cost of HS2 has skyrocketed and gone far beyond what was initially budgeted, according to Rishi Sunak.

Tory Party Conference Update

On the third day of the Tory Party Conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson all but confirmed that the Manchester leg of the HS2 project will be canceled.

Sunak Speaks Out

Under mounting pressure from Tory MPs and party members to clarify the fate of HS2, Rishi Sunak stated during an interview with Times Radio, "It's clear that the costs of this program have escalated far beyond what anyone thought at the beginning."

Sunak continued, "I will take the time to look at it properly, get across the detail, and then decide what's right for the country. The sums involved are enormous and it's right that the Prime Minister takes proper care over it. It's obviously not my money – it's taxpayers' money, and we should make the right decisions on these things."

Confirmation Expected

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to officially announce the plans for HS2 during his major conference speech tomorrow.

This crucial address will determine the success of Sunak's ideas and vision, as it may impact next year's general election.

Confusion and Opposition

Recent confusion surrounding HS2 has cast a dark cloud over the upcoming speech. However, it is anticipated that Boris Johnson will reveal his intention to invest the £36bn budgeted for Birmingham to Manchester HS2 into regional transportation links in the Midlands and North instead.

Yesterday, the Conservative conference faced disruption as party members expressed their determination to retain HS2. The uproar occurred as Chancellor Rishi Sunak took the stage.

Resistance from Tory West Midlands Mayor

Andy Street, the Tory West Midlands Mayor, threatened to resign outside the main conference hotel, stating, "I won't let HS2 go without a fight." He stressed the importance of sticking to promises made to the international investment community.