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.