CONSERVATIVE Party leadership contender Rishi Sunak was back on home turf, almost, when he addressed members at a pub garden in Durley.

Mr Sunak, born and raised in Southampton and educated at Winchester College, was at the Robin Hood pub in Durley to garner support.

He is battling to lead the party, and become prime minister, against Liz Truss. The result is due to be announced on Monday September 5.

Hampshire Chronicle:

Among the 50 people at the event was Winchester city councillor and former mayor Frank Pearson, and his wife Anne.

Cllr Pearson, in a Facebook post, said: "Great man with positive ideas. We were happy with what Rishi had to say. The follow-up questions produced some very good answers.

"He spoke for several minutes and then spent a long while answering questions from those there, ranging from Covid response to NHS, from borders to military budget, and from land use (solar farms and ‘wilding’) to food imports and support of British Farming."

The ballot of Tory Party members has been open for several weeks with Ms Truss currently expected to win.