The Conservatives are wrapped in the quiet cocoon of Manchester Central today and the conference has a subdued vibe — many activists might be staying away until the anti-austerity protests are over. But the halls are packed out with the exhibitors, shops and merchandise you’d expect for a party that has won its first majority in 23 years and is in celebratory mode. Here are some of the most Tory things in Manchester (click on the pictures to enlarge).
One of the more interesting additions to the exhibition hall this year is the Conservative Party Archive. The Tories now have a whole stand dedicated to the party’s vast archives at the Bodleian Library in Oxford. As well as classic posters about socialism from the 20s, 70s and 90s, you can buy mugs, fridge magnets and postcards from days of yore:
Elsewhere, this year’s CCHQ gag stand is ‘Labour’s magic money-printing machine’ – featuring a lady with a Jeremy Corbyn cap and beard giving out £100s of Corbyn money from the ‘Bank of Labour’.
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