Hague plunges the knife

Whilst Labour conference seemed to involve rather a lot of back-stabbing this year, recent Tory gatherings have been much less bloody. A reminder of less happy days was provided last night at a party to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Conservative Future, which replaced the Young Conservatives in 1998. Having been at the launch event at that Conference, it was quite nostalgic for me and some of the other seasoned hacks who were reunited there. 'Older and wider' might be an apt description. William Hague was on good form as he gave a typically witty speech, before 'plunging the knife' to cut the cake. ( Apologies for the dodgy photo- I was unable to download from my camera, so resorted to taking a picture of the screen. High tech blogging!)

Let freedom rain (sic)...

A popular feature of this conference has been the 'Freedom zone' round the back of the conference centre, which bills itself as a mini-conference with fringe events on the theme of civil liberties. Speakers have included David Davis, John Redwood and Bloggers Iain Dale, Guido Fawkes and Dizzy. It's what some Tories would call 'sound'- a festival of anti-political correctness. Tonight's event certainly lived up to that, with a champagne reception sponsored by Forest, the pro-smoking lobby. The venue had a large courtyard to allow guests to puff away, and despite the rain it was a very jolly affair. I was also very pleased at their free gifts- copies of Orwell's 1984, which I read at school but haven't owned. Should keep me busy on the way home tomorrow.

A good reception for the Olympics

An enjoyable reception by the 2012 team last night, with appearances by a number of the summer's medal winners, interviewed by Jonathan Edwards- who opened by asking one poor Olympian whether she was disappointed with her bronze! Tactful. Seb Coe also said a few words, before being surprised by the appearance of a birthday cake and a rousing chorus of 'Happy Birthday' after it was revealed he was turning 52 that very day. I managed to have a useful discussion with a senior LOCOG official about the continuing controversy over Greenwich Park and Woolwich barracks. I'm pleased to hear they are taking the issue seriously, but remain absolutely committed to holding the events in the Borough.

Sharing the pain

The turmoil in the money markets looks likely to overshadow this year's conference, making a change in tone necessary. David Cameron made an unscheduled address to the conference this morning offering to work with the Government on tackling the crisis. As the BBC's James Landale said, oppositions can only speak, so that's what David Cameron has done. It fits with the overall theme of the week, that of projecting a competent and responsible government-in-waiting. That task has been made more important by the current situation, and unwelcome polls showing Gordon Brown is more trusted on dealing with the crisis. As for me, I'm sharing the pain quite literally. I woke up feeling dreadful this morning, aching all over and generally feeling very weak. As I haven't been drinking, I fear it's the dreaded Conference cold. I abandoned my plans for the morning and have had a lie-in, in the hope of being able to get back on schedule later this afternoon. In the meantime I'll post a few more thoughts from yesterday...

Up Yours, conference!

Tory activists here in Birmingham may get a nasty surprise if they glance up at a plaque outside the ICC, where the conference is being held. As the picture above shows, it was unveiled by Jacques Delors, former president of the European Commission, and bogeyman to all Euro-sceptics. With the Commission also set to take over the Party's iconic old HQ at 32 Smith Square, can the sceptics take any more shocks?

Economy of language

After last year's triumphant coup on inheritance tax, George Osborne had set himself a high bar for his keynote speech today. And with the current economic crisis his words will be pored over like never before. The hall is packed to capacity so I'm watching this on TV in the exhibition centre. It's certainly going down well soon with the crowd here- well judged and witty attacks on Brown without appearing too flippant or smug. And some very eye-catching pledges on cutting waste whilst freezing Council tax, for example. I think it will win credit from the commentators for striking the right note, and show the wider public Conservatives have something different and better to offer in hard times.

There goes the diet...

Party conferences are never good for your health- late nights, little sleep, and copious alcohol consumption all contribute to some very poorly-looking people by the end of the week. I'm more concerned about the effect on my waistline, however. Not only did I go and sample a hearty Brummie curry with a BBC producer last night, but my hotel is situated a couple of miles outside the City Centre, in Bournville, home of Cadbury's chocolate factory. It's a beautiful suburban village, and a monument to what David Cameron would today call corporate social responsibility, having been built by the Cadburys to improve the living conditions of their workers. There are no pubs, reflecting the Cadbury Quaker tradition, but oh, the temptation of chocolate...

A Government in Waiting?

Without getting too heavily into my theorising on Opposition, one of its most crucial roles is to act as a credible alternative government. Its ability to present itself as such to the public is a major factor in whether it gains power.

As Conservatives gather in Birmingham, the message from the leadership is 'no complacency', with David Cameron and his advisers terrified of looking as though they are taking their poll lead and the next election for granted. The theme for the Conference is therefore the tricky balancing act of projecting competence without exuding complacency. In short, to look like a Government in waiting. The BBC's Nick Robinson has an interesting article on this ahead of his Panorama film tomorrow.

Opposition Blues
As I step up my campaign to be acknowledged as the world's greatest expert on political impotence, an article I wrote for the ConservativeHome website about being in Opposition in local government appeared yesterday, and despite a slight disagreement in the comments section about my stance on the Olympics, I've had some quite positive feedback on it. A good preparation for blogging Party Conference more comprehensively that I've been able (or allowed) to in the past.

Noble defeat in Plumstead

Disappointing news in the Plumstead by-election in Greenwich yesterday, as Labour held the seat. Frankly, if we'd won it would have been a major blow to them, but in the current climate anything's possible, and we tried our best. Our candidate Toks Bailey in particular was an energetic campaigner, and I hope she will join us on the Council in the future. We had huge support from activists, with several dozen regularly out leafletting on our action days. But in the end victory eluded us. We're obviously disappointed, but I guess it's a sign of the times that Labour celebrate holding onto one of their safest seats. Onwards!

New Season, New Blogging

After a longish break, I've been prompted to resume blogging by the beginning of the new political season, heralded by the Party Conferences. I am currently watching Gordon Brown in his 'make-or-break' performance in Manchester, and, whilst it may be that I'm still suffering from a cold, I'm feeling rather drowsy and nauseous.

'Global age'...'tough times'...'new world'...'British Century'(!?), 'The fair society'...

It really hasn't inspired me (unsurprisingly), and I don't think it will convince the many doubters in his own Party that he has really listened to their concerns. It was bullish to the point of aggression, displaying his now familiar petulence. 'I'm here, yes it's tough, but get used to it.' seemed to be his message to the country and his long-suffering troops.

The highlight was actually before the speech even began, with a surprise appearance from Sarah Brown to introduce her husband. She got a great reception, and let's face it, she deserves all our sympathy...