Give me back my country, says sweaty Davidson

The comedian Jim Davidson took to the stage of the Conservative Party conference in a sweat-soaked shirt yesterday to mock Tony Blair's appearance last week.

The comedian Jim Davidson took to the stage of the Conservative Party conference in a sweat-soaked shirt yesterday to mock Tony Blair's appearance last week.

Mr Davidson, appealing for funds for the Tory party, told the Bournemouth audience he "wanted his country back".

He unleashed a barrage of jokes to delight the packed hall. "I have a very short space of time to appeal to you to give lots of money," he said. "This is my appeal for the ex-wives; it is not actually for the Conservative Party."

He went on: "It has been a fantastic conference. I have never been to anything like it in my life and I'll be glad when it is over, we get a new government and we all get some sleep."

Walking over to the main lectern on the stage, he said: "I have just got to stand here for a second. I quite fancy it. You know, I think I'd make a great Prime Minister." Taking off his jacket to reveal the sweat-stained blue shirt, he joked: "I have got pneumonia for you.

"In the old days our leaders used to promise us blood, sweat and tears. What have we got now? I am a working-class lad, I come from Charlton, my mother and father lived in a council house which, thanks to the Conservatives, I bought for them. They both died in that house becoming home owners and I think that is something very special to me.

"I am here for a personal reason that I want my country back; that is why I'm here."