He was young - just turning 39 - in a party which has suffered recent and regular disillusion because of youthful failure

He was young - just turning 39 - in a party which has suffered recent and regular disillusion because of youthful failure. He was an Old Etonian, at a juncture when many Tories believe that the party ought to have a more egalitarian image There was a further problem Everyone knew that young Cameron was promising. But many Tory MPs were not sure as to what, if anything, he believed. Yesterday, he silenced all those doubts. More from Bruce Anderson.

"These names weren't in the Book of Revelations!" John Reid declared of his junior ministerial colleagues. At the risk of sounding eccentric I can assure him that Hazel Blears is in there twice Seven times, in some interpretations Sheer good manners prevent me giving you chapter and verse. Suffice it to say, it just wouldn't be an apocalypse without her. "Famine, War, Plague and Death - that's what our voters want Seventeen per cent more Beast than under the Tories A Great Whore in every community. That's what we're in government for." We are at the low point of the conference season; but our spirits will be lifting over the weekend Never have we looked forward to Blackpool so much Until then we are left with the Last Days of Labour The Rapture. More from Simon Carr. Choice in market-led public services is the political fashion of the autumn. In their forward- looking modernity, the advocates of choice are the equivalent of the glamorous models parading the latest seasonal gear in the glossy magazines No other political look will do this year They are in the ascendancy in all three parties.

Even in the tribal conference season, there is a consensus between them about why they seek reform and how they want to bring it about Their means is the introduction or expansion of markets. Their aim is an improvement in delivery, particularly for the poor. Ministers argue that they want the disadvantaged to have the same choices as the rich. Conservative candidates in the leadership contest claim the same noble purpose All are acting on behalf of the poor. If they were models for a glossy magazine, they would be wearing the same outfits. More from Steve Richards.