**Tories Must Take Responsibility for Election Loss, Says Ben Houchen** In an exclusive interview, Ben Houchen, the sole senior Conservative figure still in office, has expressed that the party must take accountability for its significant electoral defeat. He emphasized that the Tories have the potential to recover over the next five years, but they should have heeded the advice of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to prevent the current crisis.

Prominent figures within the Conservative Party have issued a stark warning about the need for a significant overhaul of the party as internal conflicts emerge just before the upcoming conference. Former Prime Minister Theresa May and ex-leader William Hague emphasized that those vying for the party leadership must recognize the magnitude of the defeat experienced in July. Their comments highlight the urgent need for reflection and reform within the party as it navigates its current challenges.