Conference diary

Reds not flagging

Smiles all round as Labour's conference ended with Gordon Brown joining in the traditional chorus of the Red Flag – albeit rather unenthusiastically. Delegates enjoyed a week without the "toxic" atmosphere of last year and even the sun shone.

Good hair day

Jack Straw, the Lord Chancellor, vowed not to don the shoulder-length wig traditionally worn by Lord Chancellors. But he was wolf-whistled when he confirmed that he would keep the frock coat, breeches and silk tights on state occasions. He said: "Comrades, you should know that in a key step on the forward march to socialism, I am dispensing with the wig."

Class war

A little bit of old-fashioned class envy never does an aspiring Labour politician any harm. Jacqui Smith, a former comprehensive schoolgirl, was at it, ridiculing David Cameron for his "midnight raids on Eton's tuck shop".

Family affair

Harriet Harman, the Labour deputy leader, and her husband, the party treasurer Jack Dromey, were in action on the conference platform yesterday. Ms Harman thumped the tub, but it wasn't quite John Prescott.

Naughty but nice

Sore heads all round yesterday after the IPPR think- tank's party rocked into the early hours. The eggheads came up with the brilliant idea of staging a "guilty pleasures" disco, featuring the likes of Queen, Neil Diamond and Chic. What's more, they deliberately didn't invite MPs (although a few party animals sneaked in).

Man of the week

Stalwart trade unionist Jack Jones, aged 94, who was still dancing at the Unite union bash at 12.45am (and he was back in the hall yesterday morning for the close of conference).

Good week

Gordon Brown, who enjoyed Labour's first trouble-free week by the seaside in years and cemented his premiership with the party's rank and file.

Bad week

The Labour left, who were left a bit high and dry with no backup from the unions.

Tribune even had to cancel its traditional conference rally because of a mix-up over bookings. The event was to be called "The left is alive and kicking"... not.