How the speech was received

Austin Mitchell, Labour MP: "It was like a revivalist sermon. Well done, a very moralistic performance."

Audrey Wise, left-wing MP: "It is a speech I will keep by me as a reference point. It implied a very large commitment."

Brian Mawhinney, Tory Party chairman: "This was a recycled speech from a leader who admitted that his party is no more than a recycled version of Labour in 1945 and 1964."

Hannah Wood, of Lewisham south-east London, 22, dismissed the promise of proper access to a laptop computer: "Proper access to a decent diet is a higher priority."

Alan Johnson, joint general secretary, Communication Workers' Union: "It was the most inspirational political speech for a generation."

A member of the National Executive Committee: "Tony has said he loves the party. That is the new thing in this speech."

Jeremy Corbyn, left-wing MP: "A deal with BT is not the same as taking privatised industries back into public ownership."

Rodney Bickerstaffe, leader of the public service union Unison: "He was very strong on patriotism and I am delighted he mentioned his commitment to a minimum wage".

Garry Meyer, of Hove, East Sussex, 31: "I am not disappointed, but what he should be doing is trying to force a general election by campaigning on some issues like a fixed figure on a minimum wage."

Jerry Hayes, Conservative MP for Harlow: "It was a masterly exercise in virtual reality with the rallying cry that every child should have access to a laptop computer."

Frank Dobson, shadow environment secretary: "I've done 'come to Jesus speeches'. I thoroughly approve of that. We need that emotion when we are telling people how we reject blind market forces".

Anonymous shadow cabinet member. "He showed he has huge personal resources. Janis Joplin had to do it on drugs."