Wales@Westminster weblog

It's Wales@Westminster weblog, BBC Wales' Parliamentary correspondent David Cornock's diary on political life. It's a two-way process though, so add your comments too.

Monday 29 March

Chancellor raises eyebrows in Llandudno
posted by David | 1150 BST |

Gordon Brown may have raised one or two eyebrows with his speech to the Welsh Labour conference.

Not only did Mr Brown expressly support new Labour public service reforms, but he chose to make his views known to an audience including members of a Welsh Assembly Government that has rejected many of those reforms.

The chancellor delivered a robust defence of higher university tuition fees - as rejected by the Assembly Government.

He highlighted Labour's health service reforms - even though the Assembly Government has rejected the flagship policy of foundation hospitals.

His "more choice, more options" approach certainly had a different emphasis from the rhetoric offered by First Minister Rhodri Morgan, who prefers to stress equality rather than choice.

For all the talk of "clear red water" between Westminster and Wales, Mr Brown was given an enthusiastic reception by his audience in Llandudno.