Chancellor's speech overshadowed by controversy

The Conservative conference took a dramatic turn as a major dispute erupted over the potential cancellation of the HS2 rail project. The controversy overshadowed Chancellor Rishi Sunak's speech, with claims that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is planning to announce the scrapping of the Manchester leg of the project during his own address on Wednesday.

Threats of resignation

The Mayor of Birmingham, Andy Street, threatened to resign on the steps of the conference hotel, vowing to fight against the cancellation of HS2. Street warned the PM, "I won't let HS2 go without a fight," and added, "If you tell the international investment community you are going to do something, you have to stick to your word." He refused to rule out quitting if the project was axed.

Labour Mayor criticizes potential cancellation

Meanwhile, Labour Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, criticized the potential axing of the northern leg of HS2, describing it as a "desperate act of a dying government."

PM's announcement imminent

No10 denied that a final decision had been made, but Hunt's spokesman let slip that an announcement by the PM was imminent. Hunt himself addressed concerns about the high cost of building railways in the UK compared to France and expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the project's spending.

Possible cost-saving measures

It is rumored that the PM is planning to scale back the HS2 project to reduce costs. The rail line may end at Old Oak Common in London's western suburbs. Other measures to soften the blow, such as an expanded Northern Powerhouse Rail project and investment in northern infrastructure, might also be announced. However, several prominent figures, including Boris Johnson, Theresa May, and George Osborne, have urged Sunak to reconsider.

Appeals to the private sector

Birmingham's Mayor, Andy Street, made a passionate appeal for the involvement of the private sector to complete the railway and alleviate the financial burden on taxpayers. He warned that cancelling HS2 would be a missed opportunity to level up and damage the UK's international reputation as a place to invest. Andy Burnham of Manchester called the potential axing "profoundly depressing" and questioned the government's treatment of the north of England.

Disagreement over government agenda

Amidst the HS2 controversy, former PM Liz Truss criticized Hunt and Sunak's agenda, arguing that the government is too big, taxes are too high, and there is excessive spending. She urged ministers to "unleash their inner Conservative" and focus on issues such as housing and fracking.