Back from Birmingham where the party faithful were in high spirits and 99% supportive of the coalition deal. Not sure why the session was declared to be private when the party was so united behind the leadership.

Two standing ovations before the obligatory ones for Clegg were offered to Simon Hughes and Uncle Vince, who was upfront about the cuts being "horrible". A sense of realism about the risks involved in the deal was coupled with genuine excitement about being in Government after about 70 years.

Chris Huhne reminded us that the last coalition Government ran from 1940-1945 and that it worked. "We won the war".

M'lords Greaves and McNally, who could not come from more widely different backgrounds, were both enthusiastic supporters, although it was never explained why Tony had lost two front teeth in his excitement over the deal, and so shortly after a "robust exchange of views" with his Lords Leader..

On returning I notice that Nash survived as Labour Group leader on Camden Council; that Theo has become Mr Cuts and my old sparring partner, Pat Callaghan has secured Health and Adult Social Care. The health lobby will be pleased I am sure with the latter, but Theo has the poisoned chalice.