Tories think auction's a clue Sunak has already conceded

Rishi Sunak appeared to run up the white flag of surrender at the Conservatives' summer garden party fundraiser, with what guests saw as an acceptance that he will not be prime minister after 4 July.

- DAVID MADDOX

The event at the Hurlingham Club, one of London's most exclusive venues, on Thursday, was meant to be one of the party’s major fundraisers during the year, and came in the middle of an election campaign where the Tories have, according to insiders, run out of money.

Mr Sunak was due to attend but, because of his date with the audience on the BBC’s Question Time, only appeared by video message instead, while other cabinet ministers showed up in person. But the highlight was supposed to be an auction of different lots, where wealthy supporters such as Lord Ashcroft would bid to help raise party funds.