Liberal Democrat Conference: Conference Briefs - `Blair behaves like Thatcher'

THE PRESIDENTIAL style of the Blair Government was "little different from the Thatcherite model" said Robert Maclennan, outgoing party president. He warned of a failure of comprehension if Mr Blair cut short constitutional reform. He added: "For all the bustle, the New Deals, the task forces, the special action zones, the bleak truth about this government is coming through: There is no renewal of Britain in prospect."

The new president, Baroness Maddock, gives her inauguration speech today.