The final day of Conference started at 9.30am, so there was no opportunity for a run along the Mersey. Instead, it was the usual routine of in-room exercises, packing, breakfast, checking out of the hotel, dropping off luggage, and then rushing to get to Conference in time for the start of proceedings.
There were more excellent debates and contributions from delegates throughout the morning. It was also great to see Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the close of Conference, while we all joined together to sing, rather badly in my case, The Red Flag by Jim Connell and the wonderful Jerusalem, based on the words of William Blake.
There is usually a good-natured debate about which song better captures Labour's values: Blake's vision of building a better society through hope, endeavour and national renewal, or Connell's explicitly socialist anthem celebrating solidarity and collective struggle. Personally, I enjoy both and don't see the need to choose between them in this day and age.
After Conference closed, I walked to Lime Street Station and was fortunate enough to find a seat with a table all the way back to Euston, giving me an opportunity to reflect on what had been a busy but positive few days.
Overall, I thought Conference had a noticeably more positive atmosphere than last year. There were good debates, strong contributions from UNISON Labour Link delegates, and a sense of purpose about the challenges facing the country and the Labour Government. It was an enjoyable and worthwhile Conference, as well as an excellent opportunity to catch up with comrades from across the Labour and trade union movement.
Most importantly, Andy and his team did well. While there will undoubtedly be plenty of arguments and challenges ahead, I left Conference more confident than when I arrived that Labour can govern well and deliver the change that people need.
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