Jon Cruddas's conference diary: part 6
Jon Cruddas 9:59pm
Well that it is for another year, on the train back to London. Brown is in a stronger position than when he started and the right of the party is split - i.e. a good conference. The moderate, pragmatic centre left around Compass are on the move.
Today was ‘women’s day’. Didn’t start too well. Apparently at 3am Ruth Kelly resigned- in the bar of the Radisson! Well I was in the bar at 3am and I’m sure Ruth was not there. Although I do remember the whole of the press gallery running into the Hotel lobby after some familiar looking guy.
Harriet made a barnstorming speech. Didn’t get in the Conference Centre myself- wasn’t even sure that male delegates were allowed in this morning. Harriet and her gang have worked tirelessly all week- Chris Bryant, her PPS, should get a ministerial job for sure.
Reshuffle imminent- on ‘women’s day’ I suggest putting four women I met last night in the Cabinet- Carol Malone, Polly Toynbee, Alice Miles and Anne Treneman; now that would put some jump leads on the government.
Final fringe discussion ended with a strange question ‘what phrase fills you with dread?’ The winning response- not mine- ‘now let’s have a few words from David Aaronovitch’.
Overall a fascinating few days- a vibrant fringe discussing economics, inequality, tax and spend in a proper, open way. The first time for nearly 15 years- and the ceiling didn’t fall in.
Heroes of the week: Alastair Darling, Boo Weekley and Tom Watson’s family.
Previous
Matthew Blott
September 24th, 2008 10:24pm Report this commentI like David Aaronovitch. Says something about me I suppose.
TrevorsDen
September 24th, 2008 11:37pm Report this commentWhatever Iain is paying this feller Crudeacre for his insights its far far too much.
There was more comedy in the Navy Lark.
TrevorsDen
September 24th, 2008 11:42pm Report this commentDid I say Iain? Hmmm ...
well I have just come from checking Mr Dales Blog ... and its very very late and I have to be fair just come back from the pub. Which Mr Crudeacre should realise is a very expensive night out these days.
If I were a Spectator shareholder I would be suggesting we get better value for our money in future.
Austin Barry
September 25th, 2008 7:36am Report this commentToo many tinctures and late nights have clouded Comrade Jon's judgment. The conference represented the dying, beached-whale gasps of a party heading for oblivion. And what phrase fills me with dread? Well, how about Brown's "In the weeks and months ahead, my task is to show I have the new ideas, the vision and the experience to earn the trust of the British people"? Aagghhh..I can feel the life force slipping away..
Nicholas J. Rogers
September 25th, 2008 11:25am Report this commentChris Bryant a minister!
Do these people have a deathwish?
Chuck Unsworth
September 25th, 2008 11:53am Report this comment" moderate, pragmatic centre left around Compass"
Since when has Compass been moderate and/or pragmatic?
Trafalgar
September 25th, 2008 12:36pm Report this commentWhat phrase fills you with dread?
"I have listened to the people and I'm getting on with the job."
Alex R
September 25th, 2008 1:24pm Report this commentSign him up for weekly column. great stuff.
Max Kaye (back in 4th form)
September 25th, 2008 7:29pm Report this commentNicholas J. Rogers said:
"Chris Bryant a minister! Do these people have a deathwish?"
Yeah - he's pants!
Back to top