September 21, 2006: Ming Campbell addressed Liberal Democrat conference as follows:
This has been my first autumn conference as Liberal Democrat leader. And I have enjoyed it - particularly since Tuesday lunchtime.
But while I have enjoyed my first, others will be hoping to enjoy their last.
Labour is preparing to pick a new leader.
You may have read that the Prime Minister is planning a farewell tour for a grateful nation. The Chris Evans show is on the list. So is Blue Peter - he’ll be wanting a free badge out of that.
And then there are to be Songs of Praise. Details are top secret. But in the best new Labour tradition, they have been leaked.
And this time, I have received a copy.
The hymns are definitely fit for purpose.
To start with, a hymn about new Labour’s current situation:
Oh Hear us when we cry to thee, For Those in Peril on the Sea.
Then, to lift the spirits of the party faithful:
Oh, What a Friend we have in Gordon.
And finally, before the curtain falls, repentance:
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, Forgive our Foolish Ways.
Liberal Democrats, we are unique among the major British parties in the way our conference works. The decisions you made this week mattered. The debates we’ve had have meant something. We have demonstrated our belief in liberalism, our commitment to democracy, and our unity of purpose.
Next week its Labour’s turn. You won’t see any liberalism from them. There won’t be any democracy. And there won’t be votes that matter.
Half of them want Blair out. And the other half don’t want Brown in.
After that it’s the Conservatives’ turn. See if you can find a policy.
Just one will do.
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