Politics latest: Starmer outlines 'benefits' for the UK from closer EU ties - but minister says 'no deal yet'
By Dan Whitehead, news correspondent
Before her speech at the Conservative conference in North Wales, Kemi Badenoch paid a visit to the heritage railway in Llangollen.
In the glorious sunshine, she stood high up in the drivers' spot on the footplate of the steam locomotive. But the train was going nowhere.
Political metaphors aside, there was no denial from the UK Conservative leader that the party has a fight on its hands in Wales.
"We can fix Wales, only if we face facts," she told an audience of around 250 party faithful.
The Tories lost all their MPs here in the last general election; I asked her if she's preparing for a similar wipe out in the Senedd next May?
"Absolutely not."
The fact is many Tories fear what happened on a UK level could happen again in Wales; a recent poll putting them in fourth place behind Plaid, Reform and Labour.
Last week, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said Wales was his top priority, so under a new proportional-representation system coming to Wales in 2026, what about a coalition?
"I have always said at national level we are not forming any coalitions or any deals or pacts with Reform."
She really didn't want to talk coalitions.
"I'm being very, very clear. I'm not having any discussions about coalitions. They are a distraction. It's a serious point only if you think this is all about doing a deal."
But realistically, a coalition is on the cards.
Her speech included criticism of Labour's plans for a tourism tax in Wales, the 20 mile per hour zones, and Senedd expansion which will see the number of politicians rise from 60 to 96.
But there was a Freudian slip.
She referred to meeting MSPs, (Members of the Scottish Parliament) rather than MSs, members of the Senedd (watch below).
Does that demonstrate where her and the party's mind is when it comes to Wales?
"No it doesn't. What really matters is I'm here, again, because I'm demonstrating our commitment to Wales."
As she wrapped up her speech, there was, of course, a standing ovation - but the atmosphere was hardly electric.
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