Conference Diary: Post the big speech, who should turn up at the News at Ten bash but the big man. GB bounced on stage to be greeted by an uproarious round of applause and whooping by the audience of conference movers and shakers.
Post the big speech, who should turn up at the News at Ten bash but the big man.
GB bounced on stage to be greeted by an uproarious round of applause and whooping by the audience of conference movers and shakers fuelled by high octane champagne and super-strength beer.
More out of relief, it seemed, GB took on the mantle of a Mancunian comedian ready to offload a string of mother-in-law jokes - albeit minus the Bernard Manning frilly shirt and big bow tie.
And who should the mother-in-law be on such a political occasion? Sir Menzies Campbell. The PM, in a warning about how not to try to bow too much to popular culture, recalled how the LibDem grandee once insisted his favourite TV programme was none other than Coronation Street. Cue laughter from the crowd. "I watch it every night," Mr B quoted Ming.
"Who is your favourite character?2 he was asked. He replied: "Bet Lynch." Yet more chuckles. "She had left the programme five years before," laughed Mr B at which the audience giggled some more. Funny, but in his poke at other politicians' populist tendencies he never mentioned the Artic Monkeys once. Poor Ming, how could a Fife brother diss another in such a way? Just wait for Glenrothes.
Finger pointed at No 10
Conference shenanigans and, once again, No 10 is fingered as the culprit.
It was claimed on BBC Newsnight that Downing St sources were encouraging speculation that Ruth Kelly and Geoff Hoon were for the chop in a cabinet reshuffle.
As the conference receptions were in full flight word got around that Ruthie was on her way out. An impromptu press briefing in the hotel lobby at 3am yesterday finally confirmed the grapevine gossip.
The Transport Secretary was said to be "shocked" that her oh-so-secret plans had been made public. A minister was quoted as saying: "Downing St has pushed out the timing of the announcement for reasons of their own. It is not helpful."
Last to know
One person who is paying for his good behaviour is Tom "Bomber" Harris, who decided - of all nights - to get a good night's sleep and retired early, forgoing the marathon quaffing. While the whole political class was absorbing news of his boss's presence in the ministerial departure lounge and downing another glass of bubbly, Bomber was counting sheep.
It was only when he went to the breakfast table in the morning and was told by a hack over bacon and eggs that he finally found out.
The wrong tram
Talking of Bomber Harris, he relates on his own blog how being Transport Minister does not mean you always end up at the right destination. He recounts how he was due to speak at a Light Rail Group fringe meeting in Manchester town hall and decided it might be appropriate if he arrived by tram, aka the Manchester Metro.
He duly took the tram, but unfortunately in the wrong direction. Then spotting a taxi he decided, given his tardiness, that he had better, despite all his good intentions, go by road. He was 30 minutes late.
