Labour conference: Blackpool Illuminated

GOOD DAY

u Chancellor Gordon Brown, putting an end to speculation about a rift between him and Tony Blair during his speech on the economy.

BAD DAY

u Gloomy conference start for Peter Mandelson after he was given a verbal beating by union leaders.

REBEL OF THE DAY

u Union leader Derek Hodgson gained a record 45-second standing ovation when telling Peter Mandelson he was "sick and tired of leaks and spin".

SOUNDBITE OF THE DAY

u Rodney Bickerstaffe, general secretary of Unison, attacking Chancellor Gordon Brown for freezing nurses' wages: "Not jam yesterday, not jam tomorrow, but a little bit of jam today for those who will look after you tomorrow."

BEST FRINGE MEETING

u The Independent's "What's the Big Idea", of course, with Home Office minister Alun Michael and Labour left-winger Ken Livingstone debating the Third Way.

BEST PARTY

u Scottish dancing and kilts at the Scot's Night in the Stakis Hotel; the Blairs entered to the sound of bagpipes.

CLAPOMETER

u Derek Hodgson, leader of the Communication Workers' Union came top with 150 dB, his standing ovation lasting 45 seconds.

u Chancellor Gordon Brown came second with 120 dB, and a standing ovation of 45 seconds.

u Trade Secretary Peter Mandelson managed 85dB, with a polite 30 seconds' applause.

u Culture Secretary Chris Smith had 20 seconds' applause and 85dB.

u Social Security Secretary Alistair Darling hit rock bottom with a mere five-seconds-long applause with 100dB.