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LIVE: Cameron's conference speech LIVE: Cameron's conference speech
(10 minutes later)
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LIVE: BBC News ChannelLIVE: BBC News Channel
LIVE TEXT COMMENTARY (all times BST)LIVE TEXT COMMENTARY (all times BST)
By Justin ParkinsonBy Justin Parkinson
1538: The Tory leader reiterates the party's promise to hold a referendum on the EU Treaty. Cue more applause.
1536: It is time to sort out "broken politics", Mr Cameron says, including MPs' expenses and allowances. He adds that he has taken on vested interests within his own party, showing his "character" - which seems very much to be the theme of the speech,
1534: Mr Cameron names other possible Labour leadership contenders and says Labour, not its leaders, are at fault, for "treating people like children" - and lays into its health and safety rules.
1533: Yep, further to Iain's point - Mr Cameron said David Miliband was "arrogant" for suggesting that only the individual and state matter. The party members liked that.
1532: From Iain Watson An unexpected attack there on possible Labour leadership contender, David Miliband
1531: Cameron says he wants his government to be judged on how it runs the NHS and "mending our broken society", two themes he has spoken of repeatedly in recent months.
1530: By e-mail:"Cameron's promises can't be kept. You can only save so much money through cutting services. Where is the rest of the money going to come from?" Paul Metcalf, Sheffield, UK
1529: From Iain Watson Corporation tax cut is not a new announcement but does allow David Cameron to look like a tax cutter... very popular in the hall.1529: From Iain Watson Corporation tax cut is not a new announcement but does allow David Cameron to look like a tax cutter... very popular in the hall.
1528: The "real test" of readiness for government will be having the "grit and determination" for discipline in public spending, the Conservative leader says. In a slightly racier tone he says he admires entrepreneurs - "I go to bed with one every night" - his wife Samantha.1528: The "real test" of readiness for government will be having the "grit and determination" for discipline in public spending, the Conservative leader says. In a slightly racier tone he says he admires entrepreneurs - "I go to bed with one every night" - his wife Samantha.
1526: Mr Cameron continues to lay out the case for economic competence. He says he believes in low taxes, but not in tax cuts paid for by reckless borrowing.1526: Mr Cameron continues to lay out the case for economic competence. He says he believes in low taxes, but not in tax cuts paid for by reckless borrowing.
1525: From Iain Watson Aha - he's using two Labour attacks against each other. Cameron refers to his days at the Treasury working for Norman Lamont during black Wednesday to help rebut that novice line from last week.1525: From Iain Watson Aha - he's using two Labour attacks against each other. Cameron refers to his days at the Treasury working for Norman Lamont during black Wednesday to help rebut that novice line from last week.
1523: He praises shadow chancellor George Osborne lavishly for his speech on Monday as "probably the finest" ever by someone in his position.1523: He praises shadow chancellor George Osborne lavishly for his speech on Monday as "probably the finest" ever by someone in his position.
1523: Mr Cameron spells out that he has studied economics, worked at the Treasury during a crisis (ERM) and worked alongside entrepreneurs. He promises to rein in public borrowing under a Tory government.1523: Mr Cameron spells out that he has studied economics, worked at the Treasury during a crisis (ERM) and worked alongside entrepreneurs. He promises to rein in public borrowing under a Tory government.
1522: By e-mail:"David Cameron is presenting himself as a statesman with gravitas - but it seems more of a PR act than anything based on reality." Margaret Mcgowan, London1522: By e-mail:"David Cameron is presenting himself as a statesman with gravitas - but it seems more of a PR act than anything based on reality." Margaret Mcgowan, London
1521: From Iain Watson Cameron has produced his strongest criticism yet of the City... some in his ranks felt he wasn't strong enough during the B&B bail-out.1521: From Iain Watson Cameron has produced his strongest criticism yet of the City... some in his ranks felt he wasn't strong enough during the B&B bail-out.
1520: Voting for him would be less of a risk than sticking with Labour, Mr Cameron says. The criticism so far of the government has been decidedly calm.1520: Voting for him would be less of a risk than sticking with Labour, Mr Cameron says. The criticism so far of the government has been decidedly calm.
1519: A CAM-STAT: Of Mr Cameron's predecessors as Tory leader, he has mentioned Baroness Thatcher 23 times during 133 speeches since late 2005. Benjamin Disraeli has cropped up 13 times and John Major four.1519: A CAM-STAT: Of Mr Cameron's predecessors as Tory leader, he has mentioned Baroness Thatcher 23 times during 133 speeches since late 2005. Benjamin Disraeli has cropped up 13 times and John Major four.
1518: Experience is "the excuse if the icumbent down the ages", he says. James Callaghan was experienced in the 1970s but "thank God we swapped him for Margaret Thatcher", he adds. He says no change would mean Gordon Brown being in power forever.1518: Experience is "the excuse if the icumbent down the ages", he says. James Callaghan was experienced in the 1970s but "thank God we swapped him for Margaret Thatcher", he adds. He says no change would mean Gordon Brown being in power forever.
1516: If the Tories win the next election, they will inherit a "mess" and have to do "unpopular things" to arrest decline, Mr Cameron says.1516: If the Tories win the next election, they will inherit a "mess" and have to do "unpopular things" to arrest decline, Mr Cameron says.
1515: He describes himself as a "child of my time", who cares about the environment and the developing world. He says he trusts his colleagues on the front bench.1515: He describes himself as a "child of my time", who cares about the environment and the developing world. He says he trusts his colleagues on the front bench.
1514: Mr Cameron says he supports the Union, getting his biggest round of applause yet."I don't want to be prime minister of England but prime minister of the United Kingdom," he adds.1514: Mr Cameron says he supports the Union, getting his biggest round of applause yet."I don't want to be prime minister of England but prime minister of the United Kingdom," he adds.
1513: From Iain Watson Cameron is telling people where HE - not just his party - stands. In doing so he echoes Gordon Brown's more personal tone last week .1513: From Iain Watson Cameron is telling people where HE - not just his party - stands. In doing so he echoes Gordon Brown's more personal tone last week .
1512: The Tory leader tells members he wants to encourage responsibility, which will strengthen society. He says he "cannot prove" his readiness to be prime minister, but that he can state his case and show who he is.1512: The Tory leader tells members he wants to encourage responsibility, which will strengthen society. He says he "cannot prove" his readiness to be prime minister, but that he can state his case and show who he is.
1512: By e-mail: "Good start commenting on the lack of equipment and the Gurkhas. It seems the man is actually talking about the fears people read in the papers."Nick, Kent, UK1512: By e-mail: "Good start commenting on the lack of equipment and the Gurkhas. It seems the man is actually talking about the fears people read in the papers."Nick, Kent, UK
1511: And as predicted by Iain, here it is - Mr Cameron says the mark of a government is how it behaves in a crisis. He talks of "character". This will be seen by many as a rebuttal of Gordon Brown's comment that Mr Cameron is a "novice" without the experience for running the country.1511: And as predicted by Iain, here it is - Mr Cameron says the mark of a government is how it behaves in a crisis. He talks of "character". This will be seen by many as a rebuttal of Gordon Brown's comment that Mr Cameron is a "novice" without the experience for running the country.
1509: From Iain Watson We now expect him to spend some time refuting Gordon Brown's charge that he is a 'novice'1509: From Iain Watson We now expect him to spend some time refuting Gordon Brown's charge that he is a 'novice'
1507: From Iain Watson That passage, standing up for troops gets the biggest round of applause so far.1507: From Iain Watson That passage, standing up for troops gets the biggest round of applause so far.
1507: Mr Cameron says not enough is being done to supply UK troops abroad and that their families are living in sub-standard homes. "That is wrong," he adds.1507: Mr Cameron says not enough is being done to supply UK troops abroad and that their families are living in sub-standard homes. "That is wrong," he adds.
1505: The tone so far is very serious and low-key. Mr Cameron praises the armed forces in Afghanistan, arguing their presence is vital to beating terrorism. He gets a strong round of applause.1505: The tone so far is very serious and low-key. Mr Cameron praises the armed forces in Afghanistan, arguing their presence is vital to beating terrorism. He gets a strong round of applause.
1505: From Iain Watson Cameron's body language is more serious - he is not parading around the stage as he did last year. His mention of "constitutional duty" is a cover for attacking Gordon Brown despite yesterday's call for consensus.1505: From Iain Watson Cameron's body language is more serious - he is not parading around the stage as he did last year. His mention of "constitutional duty" is a cover for attacking Gordon Brown despite yesterday's call for consensus.
1504: The Tory leader criticises Gordon Brown's record and says the conference this week has been sober and that his party understands the situation. He thanks the shadow cabinet for making the get-together a success.1504: The Tory leader criticises Gordon Brown's record and says the conference this week has been sober and that his party understands the situation. He thanks the shadow cabinet for making the get-together a success.
1503: By e-mail: "Mr Cameron is a truly inspirational figure. We would all do well to pay attention to what he has to say. He puts everyone else in the shade by the power of his rhetoric."Milton, Belfast, UK1503: By e-mail: "Mr Cameron is a truly inspirational figure. We would all do well to pay attention to what he has to say. He puts everyone else in the shade by the power of his rhetoric."Milton, Belfast, UK
1502: As expected, the speech begins with the economy. Mr Cameron says the Tories will work with the government to prevent a repeat of what has happened in the US.1502: As expected, the speech begins with the economy. Mr Cameron says the Tories will work with the government to prevent a repeat of what has happened in the US.
1501: Mr Cameron thanks the audience. He says everyone in the party - asembled in the BICC's symphony hall - "is playing the same tune".1501: Mr Cameron thanks the audience. He says everyone in the party - asembled in the BICC's symphony hall - "is playing the same tune".
1459: Here he is. David Cameron enters to a loud ovation.1459: Here he is. David Cameron enters to a loud ovation.
1458: Mr Cameron (already a few minutes late) is in no hurry to get to the stage, it seems.1458: Mr Cameron (already a few minutes late) is in no hurry to get to the stage, it seems.
1457: The hall is jam-packed. The video is still playing1457: The hall is jam-packed. The video is still playing
1456: The lights are dimmed. It's all very atmospheric.1456: The lights are dimmed. It's all very atmospheric.
1452: Community cohesion spokeswoman Sayeeda Warsi is speaking. She tells William Hague she is a fan. He responds by blowing her a kiss. And now another video. Not long to go now.1452: Community cohesion spokeswoman Sayeeda Warsi is speaking. She tells William Hague she is a fan. He responds by blowing her a kiss. And now another video. Not long to go now.
1451: Nick Robinson "I'm struggling, to be honest" on finding the best lines and steers for tonight's evening news, having just read an advanced copy of Cameron's speech.1451: Nick Robinson "I'm struggling, to be honest" on finding the best lines and steers for tonight's evening news, having just read an advanced copy of Cameron's speech.
1451: From the web "Cameron now is on the defensive on why his recipe for growth is the seed of the current financial mess. Because of this defensive line he has to take he cannot get his message out (if he's got one).M. Areu, Labour blogger1451: From the web "Cameron now is on the defensive on why his recipe for growth is the seed of the current financial mess. Because of this defensive line he has to take he cannot get his message out (if he's got one).M. Areu, Labour blogger
1450: The atmosphere in the hall is tense. The shadow cabinet marches in to fill those empty seats behind the lectern.1450: The atmosphere in the hall is tense. The shadow cabinet marches in to fill those empty seats behind the lectern.
1449: BBC political editor Nick Robinson says Mr Cameron's message will be that he is not a "novice", contrary to Gordon Brown's criticism.1449: BBC political editor Nick Robinson says Mr Cameron's message will be that he is not a "novice", contrary to Gordon Brown's criticism.
1446: Iain Duncan Smith tells the BBC says it is time for Mr Cameron to "kick off" the party's pitch as a potential government, rather than just an opposition. He calls for an attack on Gordon Brown's performance.1446: Iain Duncan Smith tells the BBC says it is time for Mr Cameron to "kick off" the party's pitch as a potential government, rather than just an opposition. He calls for an attack on Gordon Brown's performance.
1446: Not long now. Expect Mr Cameron to focus on the economy, but will Samantha Cameron do a Sarah Brown and introduce her husband? The candidates continue to traipse on to the stage to rev up the faithful.1446: Not long now. Expect Mr Cameron to focus on the economy, but will Samantha Cameron do a Sarah Brown and introduce her husband? The candidates continue to traipse on to the stage to rev up the faithful.
1442: Another prospective parliamentary candidate, annother young woman - this time it's Adeela Shafi, who wants to be MP for Bristol East. She tells members of her journey from Labour voter to the stage of the Tory conference. She gets a loud round of applause.1442: Another prospective parliamentary candidate, annother young woman - this time it's Adeela Shafi, who wants to be MP for Bristol East. She tells members of her journey from Labour voter to the stage of the Tory conference. She gets a loud round of applause.
1439: By e-mail:"Even as a life-long Conservative voter I will not listen to Cameron's "me too politics". I am still recovering from his nauseating speech yesterday. He sounded more like a schoolboy demanding he be allowed to join in. We need a strong leader for the Conservatives, not someone who is dazzled by the headlights." Bob, Bolton, UK1439: By e-mail:"Even as a life-long Conservative voter I will not listen to Cameron's "me too politics". I am still recovering from his nauseating speech yesterday. He sounded more like a schoolboy demanding he be allowed to join in. We need a strong leader for the Conservatives, not someone who is dazzled by the headlights." Bob, Bolton, UK
1438: Louise Bagshawe, the novelist-turned-prospective parliamentary candidate, is working as Mr Cameron's warm-up act. In a very on-message way she says achieving change is harder work than simply writing a happy ending - the world's bankers will probably agree.1438: Louise Bagshawe, the novelist-turned-prospective parliamentary candidate, is working as Mr Cameron's warm-up act. In a very on-message way she says achieving change is harder work than simply writing a happy ending - the world's bankers will probably agree.
1437: The hall is getting very full now, as the members watch a fast-moving video presentation. The bank of chairs behind where the leader will speak is still quite empty.1437: The hall is getting very full now, as the members watch a fast-moving video presentation. The bank of chairs behind where the leader will speak is still quite empty.
1436: Former Labour deputy leader Lord Hattersley tells BBC Two's Daily Politics the current economic climate means it is "not a time to make promises" on cutting public expenditure.1436: Former Labour deputy leader Lord Hattersley tells BBC Two's Daily Politics the current economic climate means it is "not a time to make promises" on cutting public expenditure.
1435: The Tories have given themselves a good old-fashioned long lunch between the last debate and Mr Cameron's set piece. In other walks of life this might be a recipe for lethargy, but political types are nothing if not keen. The auditorium of the Birmingham International Convention Centre provides a dramatic - US party convention-style - background. The message may be sombre, but the lighting is not.1434: Given the economic events of the last couple of weeks, the Conservatives have been looking to set a serious, businesslike tone at this conference. Expect Mr Cameron to do exactly the same during his speech. Unlike last year, he will not walk around the stage, preferring - as Gordon Brown did last week - to speak from a lectern. But surely there will be a bit of opponent-baiting to keep the party faithful happy?1435: The Tories have given themselves a good old-fashioned long lunch between the last debate and Mr Cameron's set piece. In other walks of life this might be a recipe for lethargy, but political types are nothing if not keen. The auditorium of the Birmingham International Convention Centre provides a dramatic - US party convention-style - background. The message may be sombre, but the lighting is not.1434: Given the economic events of the last couple of weeks, the Conservatives have been looking to set a serious, businesslike tone at this conference. Expect Mr Cameron to do exactly the same during his speech. Unlike last year, he will not walk around the stage, preferring - as Gordon Brown did last week - to speak from a lectern. But surely there will be a bit of opponent-baiting to keep the party faithful happy?
1433: By e-mail:"I hope that he will concentrate on ideas, on selling his vision of what this country should be like and what he would do to accomplish it. I don't care about HIM, it is the merit of his ideas that will gain or lose him my vote." Megan, Cheshire, UK1433: By e-mail:"I hope that he will concentrate on ideas, on selling his vision of what this country should be like and what he would do to accomplish it. I don't care about HIM, it is the merit of his ideas that will gain or lose him my vote." Megan, Cheshire, UK
1432: By e-mail:"This is a significant speech. If it goes down well then Brown has no chance at the next election.Colin Grant, Leeds, UK1432: By e-mail:"This is a significant speech. If it goes down well then Brown has no chance at the next election.Colin Grant, Leeds, UK
1431 If you want to comment on David Cameron's performance, click here: Have Your Say1431 If you want to comment on David Cameron's performance, click here: Have Your Say
1429: Hello and welcome to our live coverage of leader David Cameron's speech to the Conservative Party's annual autumn conference. I'll be keeping you in touch with news and views during the build-up - and then the key parts of the speech, as well as reaction from BBC experts, pundits and the blogosphere.1429: Hello and welcome to our live coverage of leader David Cameron's speech to the Conservative Party's annual autumn conference. I'll be keeping you in touch with news and views during the build-up - and then the key parts of the speech, as well as reaction from BBC experts, pundits and the blogosphere.