In his third and final Conference blog, Steve Bassam reports on some prime movers
After Ed Miliband's inspirational speech I took off to the Youth Zone to chair a discussion about non-formal learning with the respective CEOs of UK Youth and Sports Leaders. There was agreement on its value in getting young people into the sort of jobs to get them on a career path. And in some ways the debate reflected back to Ed's commitment to helping people get on.
I then whizzed off to Labour's Gala Dinner to do some hosting and catch up with old friends. I love these events. It's a bit of a lottery who you meet but I'm reminded that the sheer variety of people tells a story about the breadth of our support. I spy someone who looks uncannily like Gavin & Stacey actor Larry Lamb until I realise it is!
Both Ed and his wife Justine make funny and well directed speeches at the dinner and a good crowd lap up the humour, especially when Eddie Izzard entertains us during the raffle. He'd make a great Mayor for London - a real comedian unlike the amateur doing the job at present.
I'm persuaded by one of our more fun loving MPs, Angela Eagle to make off to Labour's staff party at Stoneham's in Hove. We arrive to catch things in full swing. I leave several hours later and catch a night bus home, leaving a few of our office staff dominating the dance floor.
The final day of conference packs in some cracking speeches with Andy Burnham getting a standing ovation as he takes the argument to the Tories and LibDems over their betrayal of the NHS and its founding values. I return to the Brighton Centre after lunch to listen to the inspirational Doreen Lawrence. Her speech brings me close to tears and I am in awe of her dignified campaign for justice. Soon to become a Baroness in the House of Lords, she will be a great addition to our Peers group.
The conference concludes with a tough Q&A for Ed and Harriet Harman's funny assault on Tory and LibDem values. I loved her line about Nick Clegg's values only involving one principle - that whatever the electoral outcome he should remain Deputy Prime Minister.
Conference ends with one of the Party's young apprentices leading beautiful renditions of the Red Flag and Jerusalem that are so soulful I begin to imagine Labour members swaying to the rhythm. I feel a victory coming on.
Steve Bassam, Lord Bassam of Brighton
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