Financial Times FT.com

Labour Party Conference 2007

Quelling the rabble-rousers

By George Parker and Andrew Taylor in Bournemouth

Published: September 28 2007 03:26 | Last updated: September 28 2007 03:26

The cabinet minister stared gloomily into his congealing cooked breakfast. “What’s the point of a conference speech these days – who are you speaking to?”

The answer used to be self-evident. The annual conference speech was part of the ritual of British political life: a chance to rouse party activists, impress the boss and announce a policy with a dramatic flourish.

You have viewed your allowance of free articles. If you wish to view more, click the button below.

Read this