Kemi Badenoch has admitted the Conservatives have a “mountain to climb” as she delivered her first party conference speech.

Speaking at the opening of the four-day conference in Manchester, Ms Badenoch struck a defiant tone, promising to rebuild trust with voters ahead of the next election.

The Tory leader vowed her party would “strengthen our borders, restore our sovereignty and rebuild our prosperity” insisting the Conservatives remain the only party capable of delivering for Britain.