CYP Now - Analysis: Labour Party Conference - Every Child Matters to gobeyond Blair

The Labour Party's annual conference in Manchester was dominated by the battle to replace Tony Blair as leader. But the infighting did not stop discussion among ministers and party activists about the future of children and young people's policy, reports David Singleton.

SUNDAY

The Labour Party's 2006 annual conference gets formally under way atManchester's G-Mex centre. But with few key speeches today, the realaction takes place at the nearby hotels, which are hosting a range offringe meetings to cater for every political whim.

For those with an interest in Every Child Matters, the joint children'scharities reception on child poverty is the main draw. Educationsecretary Alan Johnson and children's minister Beverley Hughes both turnup to sample the canapes and meet the crowds.

However, there is a palpable sense of disappointment when it isannounced that the main speaker, Chancellor Gordon Brown, is otherwiseengaged and unable to attend.

Around the corner, work and pensions secretary John Hutton is addressinganother fringe meeting on child poverty organised by One ParentFamilies.

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