World Bulletin / News Desk

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party gathers on Sunday for its annual conference, dominated by questions about her leadership and splits on Brexit.

In Brussels, Brexit negotiations are moving painfully slowly, while at home, ministers still disagree on the shape of Britain's future outside the European Union.

Ahead of her arrival in Manchester, northwest England, May acknowledged the "disappointing" election performance, but emphasised that she had a programme that she intended to see through, with housing set to be a conference focus.

"Yes, we have to get the best Brexit deal -- but we must also take action here at home to make this a fairer place to live for ordinary working people," she said.

Commentators will be watching for signs of rebellion, however, with all eyes on Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

His decision to set out his own vision of a clean break with the EU, just days before May's big Brexit speech in Florence, was widely viewed as a challenge to her authority.

"May needs to get through conference without further damage to her position," said Simon Usherwood, a politics expert at the University of Surrey.