Conference diary

OATEN GOES AWOL

Mark Oaten, whose political career was destroyed by newspaper revelations about his sex life, chose to stay away from the intrigue and strife of conference week, opting for a relaxing sunshine break. His choice of quiet destination free from political angst? Thailand.

CONFUSED?

Lib Dem delegates are infamous for their wonkish love of policy detail. But they were open mouthed at treasury guru Vince Cable's spider-like power point slides that accompanied his speech. Conference chair Chris Maines sighed: "Even I understood that."

AFTER-12 BAR BLUES

Lembit Opik, MP and light aircraft pilot, is best known for his engagement to the weathergirl Sian Lloyd and his dire predictions that human life could be wiped out by an asteroid strike. But it seems he has another talent: he astounded late night revellers in the Metropole Hotel by producing a harmonica and treating them to a selection of blues standards.

GOOD DAY

Lord Coe, who won an enthusiastic reception for his speech on London's Olympic preparations, even though he is a Tory.

BAD DAY

Sarah Teather, the education spokeswoman, whose convoluted yarn about chastity belts barely raised a laugh.

TODAY'S AGENDA

10am Speech by Grigory Yavlinsky, leader of the Russian Democratic Party.

10.20am Debate on international law

11.35am Speech by Sir Menzies Campbell.