Tories to mull over election jolt during 'Ideas Festival'
A festival dubbed the "Tory Glastonbury" will see Conservative MPs and other leading figures on the right aim to plot the future direction of the party.
Ministers, lobbyists and party members have gathered in the Berkshire countryside in Theresa May's constituency for the Big Tent Ideas Festival.
I'm in the countryside in Theresa May's Maidenhead constituency for the #BigTentIdeasFest aka 'Tory Glastonbury' pic.twitter.com/Ai4y2vMEqn
-- Jon Vale (@JonValePA) September 22, 2017
Organised by Tory MP George Freeman, who chairs the Downing Street Policy Unit, the two-day festival was brought about in the fallout from the general election, where the Prime Minister lost her majority.
Mr Freeman will address the crowd of around 200 guests alongside the likes of Northern Ireland minister Chloe Smith, Tory former minister John Redwood and backbenchers Rebecca Pow and Alan Mak.
Three tents for different discussion sessions. Packed out Society tent for the first talk of the day pic.twitter.com/dtoRN7GEp0
-- Jon Vale (@JonValePA) September 22, 2017
Journalists, economists and right-wing activists will also hold talks on issues such as reconnecting with young voters and the economy after Brexit.
The festival will also screen the Prime Minister's flagship speech on Brexit in Florence on Friday afternoon.