Conservative party conference kicks off in Manchester as PM grilled over supply chain issues

As the Conservative conference gets underway in Manchester, Boris Johnson has told haulage companies that the solution to the shortage of HGV drivers is increasing their pay rather than more immigration.

But dealing with the fuel crisis is just one item on the agenda for Conservative members here, after last month’s National Insurance rise, they will also have to decide whether the Tories are still a low-tax party.