It may not seem like the most important battle being acted out at this Conservative Party conference, but merchandise has proved one of the biggest stories of this gathering.
Attendees are walking around Birmingham bedecked in lanyards, bags, badges, hats and t-shirts like F1 drivers with sponsors.
Tom Tugendhat may not be leading in the polls, but he certainly is comfortably in front on merchandise.
His stall has been crowded every day with activists looking at getting in on the pun-covered items including Tom Tugend-hats, spray tan, foam fingers, cups, lollies and temporary tattoos.
What blew my mind was discovering that this afternoon’s restocking of hats, t-shirts and bags cost an eye-watering £6,000 alone!
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I visited all the Tory conference stalls (Image: Express)
Others have been more demure, with Robert Jenrick’s best offering being a daily newspaper with a Sudoko which I know plenty of journalists have filled in during quieter moments.
Unfortunately in today’s Sodoku someone quickly spotted that there were two sixes on the same line, rendering the rest of the puzzle invalid.
Kemi Badenoch has bags of apples, which they say is promoting her “fresh start”. I feel sorry for the intern who had to spend hours putting a sticker reading “Kemi” on each one.
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Kemi Badenoch is even giving away fresh fruit to nutrient-starved Tories (Image: Express)
also has some great offerings, including phone power banks, fans, and cups promising “no leaks” – which as a journalist was disappointing to read.
Meanwhile at the main Conservative merchandise stall, the previous five PMs must be feeling put-out as they’re nowhere to be seen.
It’s a sign of the Tory party’s legacy that only two PMs since 1945 – Churchill and Thatcher – make any appearance in the shop.
Will Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, or Tom Tugendhat succeed in appearing on official merchandise in 50 years’ time?