Paddy Ashdown was given one of his warmest receptions ever by Liberal Democrats as he made his final conference speech as their leader.

Some 1200 delegates packed into the plush Edinburgh international conference centre to hear what, for many, was regarded as his final farewell after a decade as their head.

He refused to allow the occasion to become solemn and instead concentrated on delivering a powerful campaigning speech aimed at putting his party on a war footing for looming Scottish, Welsh, European and local elections.

Taking to the platform with his wife Jane, he even joked about his decision to resign, declaring that a recent opinion poll had show his party's standing had increased by 2% since the announcement while his own had shot up by 12%.

Changed mind

"If I stand down once a month, I will be in Downing Street by Christmas. Now that of course changes everything.

"Jane has allowed me to make this announcement - I've changed my mind," he said.

As the delegates erupted into laughter, he pointed to the conference floor and added: "Just joking. And you should have seen the one or two white faces back there. But we will say our goodbyes at another time."

He has faced some serious criticisms during his time as leader and his military-like personal style has often led to claims he drives people too hard.

Party President Baroness Maddocks introduced him by jokingly referring to how she often had a sinking feeling when he was about to drop work on her, and how he could annoy party workers. But she also praised his vision and leadership.

Under his leadership he has transformed the Liberal Democrat's fortunes. The party now enjoys more power in Westminster and around the country than it has for almost 80 years. But his sometimes-controversial tactics have won him some enemies.

Labour attacks

Many in his own party are deeply concerned at his policy of dealing with the government and a series of attacks on New Labour and Tony Blair brought the greatest applause.

There are particular fears among some delegates that their key demands for a swift referendum on voting change for general elections and freedom of information laws are looking increasingly unlikely ever to happen.

Mr Ashdown seized on comments made by Mr Blair during his recent visit to Glasgow when he told Labour campaigners to tell voters PR - which has been introduced for the Scottish Parliament - "is a fairer system".

"Well I say to the prime minister, if it's fairer for Scotland then it ought to be fairer for all of us," he declared.

That won him by far the greatest applause and cheers - and when it came to him dropping hints about the pact with Labour continuing he noticeably rushed through the references to avoid any possible heckling.

As it turned out, there was no desire to beat him up and, as he left the platform and walked with his wife through the delegates to the exit sign there were only cheers and shouts of "more".