Liz Truss's attempt to spearhead a 'Trump-style revolution' in Britain suffered a significant setback as her right-wing conference, CPAC GB, failed to draw a substantial audience. The 500-capacity hall, a spinoff of America's largest pro-Trump gathering, was barely a third full for most of the opening day, with attendance estimated at fewer than 170 people.
Truss acknowledges challenges
Speaking to the Mirror, Ms Truss acknowledged the poor turnout, stating: "The work is still underway, it's fair to say." Despite being a member of the Conservative Party, Truss shared the stage with fellow Tories Jacob Rees-Mogg and Iain Duncan Smith, as well as Reform UK figures including failed by-election candidate Matt Goodwin and Suella Braverman.
Fringe figures and controversies
The event attracted figures from the fringes of populist politics, including Trump-aligned influencer Jack Posobiec, hard-right teenage provocateur Young Bob, and George Simion, the Romanian far-right opposition leader. Simion's speech reportedly included references to the "Great Replacement" white supremacist conspiracy theory. When asked if she was comfortable with all attendees, Ms Truss dismissed the question as "classic left wing whataboutery," adding: "We've just had the appalling murder of Ann Widdecombe. People on the right are under attack."
Truss's emotional tribute and golf mishap
Earlier, at the opening of the event, Ms Truss broke down in tears during tributes to former Conservative colleague Ann Widdecombe. She also tried her hand at a golf simulator but admitted she had "not done very well."
Rees-Mogg defends attendance
Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg defended the poor attendance, saying: "I think it's just the first and the first is always about building up momentum, getting people to know what CPAC is. Not many people have heard of CPAC in this country. Also, coming out to the 'Millennium Dome' is quite far for some of us who are quite SW1-centric." He also confirmed his support for Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election, stating: "I like Nigel. I couldn't possibly be opposed to him when there isn't a conservative standing and there is no conservative candidate."
