The deeply unusual event was billed as a 'thank you reception' - and will be Rishi Sunak's only appearance at this year's conference - and he had a message for the people battling to replace him

Rishi Sunak has officially made his last ever conference speech as the leader of the Conservative Party. The party’s annual gathering usually has those at the top leading the whole event, but the former PM – who is still leader until November – has taken the almost unprecedented step of not speaking from the main stage at all this year.

Rishi Sunak's final conference speech was a mixture of sombre, reflective, thankful and optimistic, as members now look to picking his replacement.

In a break with tradition, Sunak will not be delivering a big end of conference speech to the party faithful on Wednesday. He said he did not want to be a "distraction" to the four MPs vying to replace him as leader, who will each give a 20 minute speech on Wednesday morning instead.

Former prime minister Rishi Sunak has urged the Conservative Party to cease its infighting, in his final address to Tory members before he stands down as leader.

Two of the Tory leadership candidates have come out again this morning to bring forward the date of the election.