Theresa May apologises for disappointing election campaign during Tory conference speech

Prime Minister admits the campaign was 'too scripted, too presidential' and takes personal responsibility

(BBC)

Theresa May has apologised for the disastrous election result which saw the Conservative majority wiped out.

The Prime Minister told party faithful that the campaign was "too scripted, too presidential" and vowed to take personal responsibility for its failures.

In one of the most important speeches of her political career, Ms May told the Conservative party conference: “But we did not get the victory we wanted because our national campaign fell short. It was too scripted, too presidential.

“And it allowed the Labour Party to paint us as the voice of continuity, when the public wanted to hear a message of change.

“I hold my hands up for that. I take responsibility. I led the campaign.

“And I am sorry."

Ms May said she was "not the kind of person who wears their heart on their sleeve" and joked that she didn't mind being called an "Ice Maiden", alluding to claims former Chancellor George Osborne told journalists he would not rest until she was "chopped up in bags in my freezer".

However the speech was derailed by a prankster who handed her a P45 form and Ms May was plagued by a cough throughout.