Simon Hughes's speech was a celebration of what Lib Dems in coalition had achieved and a reminder of the battles to be fought.

He dwelt on the successes of getting vital issues into the government programme: more social housing, ending ID cards, tackling tax evasion, improving production of renewable energy and moving away from students graduating with massive debts.

He mocked the Millbands for suggesting that Labour was ready to receive disaffected Lib Dems. "I have a message for the Millibands. Grow up".

He pledged to continue the work of dismantling Labour's apparatus of state intrusion. He reminded conference "A goverment that doesn't trust it's citizens, doesn't deserve the trust of it's citizens".

A sterling performance from a Lib Dem stalwart.

Read Simon's speech in full on the Lib Dem website.

21/09/2010