Sarah Brown introduces 'my husband, my hero'

Sarah Brown admitted her husband was "no saint" but spoke movingly today about her love for him as he prepared to make his make-or-break speech at Labour's conference.

For the second year running, Sarah provided an unexpected introduction for the Prime Minister's speech, hailing Gordon as "My husband, my hero".

She said: "Gordon and I have been married for nine years now.

"We've seen each other through some tough times, perhaps great times, and we'll be together for all times.

"Because we've been together so long, I know he's not a saint. He's messy. He's noisy. He gets up at a terrible hour. But I know he wakes up every morning and goes to bed every evening thinking about the things that matter.

"I know he loves our country."

Arriving on the platform to loud applause from a packed conference hall, Mrs Brown pledged that her husband would always put Labour supporters first.

"The first time I met Gordon I was struck how somebody who was so intense and so intelligent could be so gentle, could ask so many questions, could really care.

"He will always make the time for people, for our family, for his friends, for anyone who needs him.

"That's part of the reason why I love him as much as I do."

To further applause and cheers, she said: "That is what makes him the man for Britain too.

"Gordon has got a tough job. I wouldn't want it for the world. But each day I'm thankful that he's the one who has it. That he's the one that chooses the policies and makes the calls because I've seen what a Prime Minister's day is like, up close.

"I've seen how Gordon and his ministers have to square up to big choices, huge challenges, serious times.

"And I've seen what can happen as a result of the changes government make.

"One of the great privileges of being married to Gordon is that so many of you are so generous with your time for us. So many of you have have invited us into your homes and workplaces and the hearts of your local communities."

Mrs Brown said it had been an honour to hear Labour activists' stories, adding: "Thank you for letting us into your lives and thank you for giving Gordon the chance to change so many lives."

She said Labour governments had always made this country "better" and introduced a video showing how "Gordon's Government is doing that today".