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Tory disarray holds an early warning for Labour
May is raising expectations she cannot meet. But the shadow cabinet must look like it can meet those needs, warns SOLOMON HUGHES

I WATCHED Theresa May’s conference speech in Manchester. The main hall was full, so I experienced the May self-destruct in an overflow marquee set up inside the “security zone” by a lobbying and PR firm, PLMR.

They represent a variety of companies, including Costa Coffee and BAE systems. So thanks to the corporate political influence machine I was able to watch the Prime Minister falling apart in real time, while enjoying  a supply of free pizza and champagne. It felt a bit hyper-real.

The mood among the assembled Tory-friendly lobbyists was real shock. It looked like power dissolving before our eyes and led to many involuntary, pained “ooh” and “uhn” sounds, and a general  will-someone-please-end-her-misery feeling.

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