Speaker falls ill at conference

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A Conservative defector has collapsed minutes after addressing the Labour party conference in Manchester.

Councillor Les Byrom, from Southport, Merseyside, was given a standing ovation after saying Mr Brown could become "an iron Prime Minister".

He started feeling unwell in the hall eight minutes after appearing on stage.

Mr Byrom was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary, where he was said to be in a "comfortable" condition and was undergoing tests.

The Conservative group leader of Sefton Council from 1991 to 2005, had told delegates that "dissatisfaction" over Tory policy on public services had prompted his defection 10 weeks ago.

"What clinched it for me was talking to Gordon Brown," he said.

"He was considerate and compassionate and made the decision for me at a time of considerable turmoil."

Mr Byrom said Mr Brown would "push the buttons for the economy" to put the nation back on track.

Experience

"If you give Gordon Brown the chance he will use the experience he had as the iron Chancellor ... and he will become an iron Prime Minister," he added.

He collapsed after returning to his seat and was given first aid by members of the prime minister's personal protection team.

Karen England, director of Manchester Royal Infirmary, said Mr Byrom's wife was with him and that he was undergoing tests.

The hospital would not confirm whether or not he had had a heart attack.

A Labour spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with Les Byrom and his family at this difficult time and we are offering his wife any assistance we can give."