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Rishi Sunak has called on the Conservatives to unite behind its next leader in his final speech at the Conservative Party Conference.

The outgoing leader told Party members on Sunday (September 29 ) that it must reunite and heal old wounds if it is to regain power in the future.

Following the General Election defeat, Mr Sunak announced he would step down from the post.

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With either James Cleverly, Kemi Badenoch, Tom Tugendhat or Robert Jenrick set to be announced as the next leader on November 2, Mr Sunak provided his final thoughts on the Party's achievements over the last 14 years, the challenges it faced, and its future.

Reflection

"I am sorry I could not deliver the result your efforts deserved," the former Prime Minister adds.

"This is my final Conference as leader.

"I wanted to be here to say thank you.

"I know the election result was hard and we were all devastated to lose such good Conservatives.

"We did not do everything right in office and we need to reflect on that.

"But we should not forget what we have achieved over the last 14 years.

"We cannot let Sir Keir Starmer rewrite history.

"The last Labour Government left us a note saying their was no money left.

"We left them inflation back at target, mortgage rates back on target and the fastest growing economy in the G7.

"When I became Prime Minister, I was determined to restore stability to our economy and we did that.

"We steered this country through the biggest challenges we have faced since the Second World War with a pandemic, the return of war, and the biggest spike in global energy in half a century.

"We took the difficult but necessary decisions to repair the public finances and control the national debt.

"It is why we could support people and businesses with furlough during the Pandemic.

"We made our country fairer and stronger."

New leader

"This Conference is about the four leadership candidates, their message to you, the future of our Party and our country," Mr Sunak added.

"This is their time to inspire you.

"In James, Kemi, Robert, and Tom, we have a slate of strong leadership candidates.

"They are all good Conservatives who can lead the country well and be better Prime Ministers than Sir Keir Starmer.

"If we are going to get back into office, so we can once more deliver for the British people, our new leader is going to need your support.

"Let's use this Conference to look to the future and ensure one of our four candidates is not just the next leader of our Party, but also the Prime Minister too.

"Whoever wins this contest, give them your backing."

Unity

"We have talented new MPs who are already holding the new Labour Government to account," Mr Sunak says.

"We must end the division, the fighting and the squabbling.

"We must not nurse old grudges but build new friendships.

"We must always remember what unites us rather than obsessing on where we differ, because when we turn in on ourselves, we lose and the country ends with a Labour Government.

"Above all, what gives me confidence is our values are those of the British public.

"They are family, service and opportunity.

"That is what the great people of our country believe in.

"That is why we are the most successful party in the western world and that is why we will win again.

"The greatest driver of our economy and society is people's desire to work hard, to improve their lives and that of their children, and family is the most important thing to them.

"We will continue to oppose Rachel Reeves' cruel decision to take away winter fuel payments from pensioners.

"This is the last time I will address you as Party leader.

"This country does not just have a proud past, but it has a proud future.

"Conservatives know our future is bright.

"I am optimistic about our Party's future."

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