Gordon Speaks to Party and Nation

Gordon's speech to conference finished about 30 minutes ago. The "buzz" inside and out of the hall is that he gave a "great" and even an inspiring speech.

I'll let others give their views on the policy announcements. My impression is that of an old fashioned (dare I say "Old Labour" in the true sense of the word) politician.

Gordon Brown is someone who has been fashioned by his own life experiences. His preacher father installed a strong sense of 'duty' and British patriotism as well as pride in traditional values. However, the great British institutions, Education and the NHS (the new religion in our secular society?) have also played their role in shaping him.

Some bits and bobs - the speech lasted for over an hour, there was a standing ovation before he had even started, something he did seem genuinely embarrassed about, but delegates refused to sit down. This was genuine warmth not just stage management. He pointed out the importance of "rising aspirations" of the public which he cleverly linked with the poverty of aspirations in deprived communities. There was a stress in his speech on British manufacturing which would have pleased the Private sector unions. Have to sign off now because I'm hogging the Community Internet so I'll finish off later.