Blair delivers final conference speech

Prime Minister Tony Blair has delivered his final speech as Labour party leader at the party's conference in Manchester.

Following Chancellor Gordon Brown's speech on Monday in which he described working with Mr Blair as a "privilege", Mr Blair praised the Chancellor saying "I know New Labour would never have happened and three election victories would never have been secured without Gordon Brown."

However, he also echoed Mr Brown's comments, by admitting that there had been difficulties between the pair over the years.

Mr Blair's comments came after reports on Monday that his wife, Cherie, had overheard calling Mr Brown's comment that it had been a privilege to work with Mr Blair as a lie.

Mrs Blair strongly denied the reports and during his speech, Mr Blair joked: "At least I don't have to worry about her running off with the bloke next door."

The Prime Minister also admitted that it was "hard to let go" as party leader. He said: "Of course, it's hard to let go, but it's also right to let go - for the country and for you, the party."

Mr Blair used his speech to highlight the party's achievements in the economy, education, health and reducing crime.

He also defended Britain's foreign policy and the war on terror, saying: "This terrorism is not our fault, we didn't cause it. It's not the consequence of foreign policy, it's an attack on our way of life."

Mr Blair finished his speech, winning a standing ovation by saying: "You're the future now, make the most of it."

(KMcA)