Conference

I was only 11 years old when we lost the 1997 General Election. We have indulged in a sustained period of self-disgust and factionalism and now, I believe, and more specifically today, we have emerged from this difficult phase.

This has been the most positive and invigorating Conference I have ever seen. The speeches have been passionate - the best of all given today by Iain Duncan Smith. Whatever you may believe about his capability to lead our Party, his work at the Centre for Social Justice has been inspirational and has given us the boost we need in convincing the public of the effectiveness of our social policy.

At the moment, I'm watching Bob Ainsworth being savaged by a hungry Paxman. It's compelling.