Liz Truss’ attempt to spearhead a ‘Trump-style revolution’ in the UK faced a disappointing turnout as she encountered challenges drawing a crowd at her right-wing conference.

The hall at CPAC GB, a UK counterpart of America’s prominent pro-Trump event, remained largely empty with only about a third of its 500-person capacity occupied on the first day. In an interview with the Mirror, Truss admitted that there is ongoing work to be done.

Despite being organized by Truss, who affirmed her affiliation with the Conservative Party, she, along with fellow Tories Jacob Rees Mogg and Iain Duncan Smith, shared the platform with Reform representatives such as unsuccessful by-election contender Matt Goodwin and Suella Braverman.

The event also saw the attendance of personalities from the fringes of populist politics, including Jack Posobiec, a figure aligned with Trump, the controversial youth provocateur Young Bob, and George Simion, the Romanian far-right opposition leader, who made remarks related to the “Great Replacement” white supremacist theory during his speech.

When questioned about the diversity of attendees, Truss dismissed it as a tactic of “classic left-wing whataboutery,” emphasizing the recent tragic killing of Ann Widdecombe and the perceived attacks on right-wing individuals.

Truss engaged in the event’s activities, including trying out a golf simulator, though she admitted to not performing well. Earlier during the event, she became emotional during tributes to her former Conservative colleague, Ann Widdecombe.

Commenting on the low turnout, Sir Jacob suggested that it was typical for the inaugural event to focus on building momentum and raising awareness about CPAC in the UK, noting that the venue’s distance could have deterred some attendees who are centered around SW1.

Furthermore, he expressed support for Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election, highlighting the importance of Farage to the Reform movement and emphasizing the absence of a conservative candidate in the race.