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Gordon’s one-man show

This will not be a Labour conference. It is Gordon’s one-man show

22 September 2007

Brown will be father of the nation at Bournemouth

But for now, the PM’s relentless focus will be upon Bournemouth. He need have no concern about a challenge to his authority from the other main speakers. Mr Darling, from whom we have heard all too much in the last few days, will speak on Sunday. Alan Johnson, the health secretary, will speak on Tuesday, followed by David Miliband, the closest thing Labour has to an heir apparent. Humiliatingly, Harriet Harman, powerless in her non-job as Labour’s deputy leader, had to fight to keep her graveyard slot and close the conference.

So Mr Brown’s speech on Monday is the sole highlight, by design. If he leaves the stage without having called an election, there will be an almighty sigh of relief in Conservative headquarters. For Labour delegates, he can do no wrong: he is the leader for whom many of them have waited 13 years. His opinion poll lead looks impregnable, so his ovation is guaranteed. In later years, delegates may worry about the abject lack of debate, and the end of specific voting powers. But the stage being set in Bournemouth next week is not for the benefit of the Labour party. This is will be a conference for, about and to the everlasting glory of Mr Brown.

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