Unofficial Labour Conference Blog #13

The other unofficial theme of this conference: "i will vote for gordon because he is the least worst of the options". Not exactly a massive endorsement.

Unofficial Labour Conference Blog #12?

The unofficial theme of this conference can be summed up in a song: "We love you To-ny, and when its quite alright, we love you To-ny, and when you hold me tight, we love you To-ny, just for us you have worked. "
Tony, we love you. You have done such amazing work for our country and our world, and of course for our party. You'll be sadly missed but always remembered as the first, yes only the first, Labour leader to win three successive elections, and for how you made the world a better place in so many ways. Good luck for the future sweetheart.

Unofficial Labour Conference Blog #11

Theres a debate going on in the conference hall about health. It seems to be that certain of the unions, and some members, are concerned about certain non-frontline NHS services being done by contractors, although the NEC says that this will mean an extra billion for frontline services. It's our regular debate of ideology versus people trying to get the job done more efficiently and quickly. Some people seem to just like making speeches though and dont stick to the debate.

Unofficial Labour Conference Blog #10

Ok so Clinton rocks too. We are the change agents. We are in the future business. None of the progress made in the last 10 years has been an accident but is because of hard work by the Labour Party. Umbutu (I think) - an African phrase meaning "I am because you are". And that was basically his speech. Classic stuff, great man.

Unofficial Labour Conference Blog #9

David Miliband for PM!

Unofficial Labour Conference Blog #8

Stephen Twigg rocks. Blair rocks. Lots of people here rock. Twigg rocks cos, wherever you go, hes there dancing and having loads of fun, putting a smile on the face of everyone around him. Blair rocks cos he did a fantastic speech today which has really inspired most people here, which is what a good leader should do whether you agree with him on everything or not.

Unofficial Labour Conference Blog #7?

All over Manchester, left wing progressives are waking up with sore heads and vague memories of the night before - memories of conversations that you can only really have at conference, and you can have them because you are comfortable that the people you are talking to are on the same level as you. Conversations about changing the world, asking the big questions of the universe, and ones in which you open up your heart and soul. You dont have to worry when you meet someone, as you do in real life, that they will be intimidated (or bored) by such conversations and are much more comfortable talking about Big Brother. And also of course, people are waking up with vague memories of doing things that they really probably shouldnt have. Thankfully, the crazy stuff I did last night wouldnt count as scandalous, but they were crazy and surreal and I love it.

Unofficial Labour Conference Blog #6

Both the Radisson and the Midland are full of sexy and/or important people. If you can dance with anyone either sexy or important (or both preferably) then thats high points. The Guardian reception was a bit overrated, so the blagging to get in was a bit of a waste of time, but it had free champagne. Have managed to buy only one meal since start of conference on saturday now so doing quite well. Very drunk, more wine needed.

Unofficial Labour Conference Blog #5

Not a lot going on right now, just people milling around the exhibition and others in the hall. I'm always thinking theres probably loads of great stuff happening that I dont know about though. Last night was alright by the way. It was the usual case of drinking with people from around the country that you only ever get to see at conferences, and you can never remember their names so spend the first 5 mins of the conversation trying to sneak a look at their pass. Its great though, Id recommend it to any party member. Theres a real sense of "we're all in this together" at every party conference, which I think is what keeps my faith in politics and the party, and is why i keep coming back year after year.

Unofficial Labour Conference Blog #4

Not sure about the security today. Instead of scanning my pass when I came in, the guy just looked at it and asked me to confirm my name. Yeah, that'll keep them out.

Unofficial Labour Conference Blog #3

Well, Gordons bid for leadership was pretty good. He was strong, honest and you got the sense he was speaking from the heart. But is he really letting people in yet? Hes gonna have to open up in the next few months for the public to get to know him. We all agree hes got all the political qualities needed to be a great Labour leader and Prime Minister, plus hes got the drive and the intelligence, but can he connect with the people? Can he touch them and inspire them? His arguments have to come off that high level and come down to clear, understandable policies that the public can associate with their own lives. All of the big talk is important, and all politicians should certainly keep the big picture in mind and share it with the public occasionally too, but does only talking of the big picture win support? I love Gordon but I'm worried.

Unofficial Labour Conference Blog #2

You know, Compass used to be a good organisation. When it started, it was more like Progress. But now it seems to have been taken over by these Save the Labour Party freaks. Very disappointing.

Unofficial Labour Conference Blog #1

Ok, so I didn't get to start this yesterday, which is because of wifi
problems. Anyway, that was a boring start. Unlike the conference! The London
reception last night was packed, even though apparently noone knew about it
as it wasn't in the guide, the wine was free and flowing, and the food was
great - what else do you need at a Labour conference? Blair came in
surrounded by a very well orchestrated group of people, with the token young
people, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities, while the old white
men in suits were carefully hidden behind. I managed a slight shake of the
hand without him looking at me. He spoke briefly to lots of applause (can't
remember what he said so it can't have been that amazing). And the other big
guns were all there too.

After that we were off to Canal Street for the Labour LGBT event. Was
supposed to have Ian McKellan but sadly not. Chris Bryant looked good though
- lovely tight tshirt.

And today it's been a slow start in the conference hall, although I think
Ian McCartney was probably the highlight with his emotional speech about his
son who died just before conference seven years ago of a heroine overdose.
We love Ian.

And question: can Hazel Blears get any cheesier?

Off to fringes now in hope of dinner and drink.

ULCB06

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Unofficial Labour Conference Blog starts tomorrow!

Only one day to go until all things Labour go on holiday to Manchester for a week. Keep coming back here to find out how it goes.

ULCB06

Quick background

Just to give you some quick background, I have been to conference the last
few years and have always had a great time. I really think the public might
be interested in what I have to say about everything that goes on, even
though I don't intend to create any scandals! Conference starts next
Saturday evening and is, for the first time I think, in Manchester. So come
back then.

ULCB06

Test

Just testing that this works. I intend to let you know what goes on
at conference this year in as much detail as possible.

ULCB06