Conference diary

So much for the Liberal Democrats' much vaunted Orange revolution. While the authors of the now infamous Orange Book, which advocates a lurch to the right, are busy on the conference fringe, the book itself is in somewhat short supply. A sad notice in the official conference bookshop declares that the party faithful can order the tome and have it posted to their home.

So why no copies of this seminal text? "It's out of print but one of the authors has a few copies left that we can get hold of," your correspondent was told.

THERESA MAY-DAY

Sarah Teather, the party's diminutive local government spokeswoman, stunned delegates with her scarlet, killer heels on Tuesday. Yesterday, her footwear took an even more alarming turn, with glinting four-inch stilettos in assassin-style steel.

CANINE DEFENDER OF THE DAY

Norman Baker, Parliament's foremost "attack dog", has been retrained as a guard dog for the embattled party leader, Charles Kennedy. He was let out of his kennel yesterday morning at a press conference and launched a hyper-loyal defence of Charles Kennedy - even more vociferously than the man himself.

VEGGIE OF THE DAY

Cumberland and Westmorland is best known for its sheep and the famous Cumberland sausage. But its new Liberal Democrat MP, Tim Farron, whose job involves representing hill farmers, can never taste his constituents' wares. He is a strict vegetarian. Meat-free Cumberland sausage anyone?

INDEPENDENCE DAY

The most popular accessory on the conference floor? A natty, hessian bag-for-life, provided courtesy of The Independent. The ingenious item converts into a six-bottle wine bag when you get it home. Perfect to toast a successful gathering. Or drown your sorrows.

DEJA-VU OF THE DAY

Baffled delegates might have thought they had heard Mark Oaten's speech somewhere before. The bouncy home affairs spokesman was heard booming his speech over the loudspeakers in a practice session the night before yesterday's oration.

He even rehearsed an Alan Partridge-style stage walkabout in front of the empty hall. However, Mr Oaten did manage to learn a new word yesterday. Lord Razzall talked about a "pusillanimous government policy". Mr Oaten replied: "Whatever that word means, I agree with it."

TODAY'S AGENDA

9.30am: Debate on antisocial behaviour.

10.15am: Debate on civil liberties

11am: Speech by Charles Kennedy.

Conference closes.