Conference confidential

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside: the media soaks up conference season

BBC Parliament's coverage of party conference season gained unprecedented publicity for the channel last year.

During the annual political junkets to the seaside the spotlight fell on the channel as one of the 'top ten worst things on television this month'.

But it was tenth in the list.

Undeterred by the cynicism of a certain TV listings magazine, we offer a top ten guide to why party conferences are a must see in the political calendar.

1) Rising star spotting
Who knows which future party leaders will make their debut from the floor this year? William Hague did it in 1977 and astounded the world - or at least Harrogate.

2) BBC broadcasts BBC battering
Last year's Tory conference saw the loudest ovation since Kenny Everett suggested bombing Russia. But delegates weren't reacting to Iain Duncan Smith's rousing speech, or Theresa May's latest footwear, they were sent into hysteria by attacks on the BBC.

In the current climate the Tories will face competition from a Labour Conference keen to give Aunty a roasting.

3) Turning over new leaves
Conferences are a time for a new approach to matters politic. Ann Widdecombe established herself as a conference darling by abandoning the lecturn and marching around the stage. This proved to be far more successful than her new, instant fine policy on cannabis.

And who can forget Theresa May's "nice" image evaporating as she accused her colleagues of being "the nasty party". It didn't hit the right mark with some delegates, but those shoes remained very nice indeed.

4) Clichés, clichés, clichés
Tony Blair's most famous phrases were coined for party conferences: "One cross on a ballot paper. One Nation reborn!" and - who can forget - "Education, education, education".

And of course Maggies's favourite, "the lady's not for turning", was given breath at the 1980 Tory conference.

5) Party leaders under attack
What with having to deliver an epoch making speech and palming off a rabid media, conference time finds party leaders under some considerable pressure.

It is an ideal time for one of the party unfaithful to stick the knife in, which makes for compelling viewing.

The 1992 Tory Conference saw Norman Tebbit openly attack then Prime Minister John Major's European policy. This mobilised the anti-European movement within the Tory party and led to years of infighting.

This year Tony Blair is likely to face considerable discontent from the Labour Party and union comrades.

6) Celeb-watch
A real highlight comes as the conferences wrap up. Every year C-list celebrity comics - such as Jim Davidson, Sandy Toksvig or maybe John Prescott - drum up support as the collection bucket is passed around.

7) Incongruous Liberal Democrat motions
No wonder some cynics have cruelly labelled them the pot, porn and pensions party. During the fuel crisis the chattering classes called for a public debate on the issue which had ground Britain to a halt. By happy coincidence, the Liberal Democrats were holding a conference. The stage was set. The nation's media was assembled. And the Lib Dems debated arts policy and gay marriage.

On the day the Commons was recalled during their conference in 2002 to debate Iraq, down in Brighton the Lib Dems were discussing sailors and pornography. Genius!

8) Speech bingo
Liven up any debates that drag by looking out for popular and learned references. Centuries of English literature offer a fantastic range of stories, characters and quotes for the public speaker.

Popular TV programmes such as 'Big Brother' and 'Pop Idol' are guaranteed a reference by delegates desperate for a laugh. We're waiting for the Fame Academy or David Blaine gags this year...

9) Coverage of the fringe
Now this is where the fun really starts, if only because there's free nosh and a glass of wine.

And for the first time BBC Parliament will be broadcasting the highlights. Bring your own vol-au-vents.

10) Peers on first-name terms
In the Upper House they are Noble or Learned Lords. Down in Brighton or Bournemouth they're are Conrad (Earl Russell), Diana (Baroness Maddock) and Tom (Lord McNally)!

What gems will we witness this year? The anticipation is building. Stay tuned to BBC Parliament for live, uninterrupted coverage.