Tory Party conference - live reaction (From Ledbury Reporter)

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Conference update: London Mayor Boris Johnson was mobbed by the media as he arrived in Birmingham for the Conservative Party conference.

Passers-by chanted "Boris! Boris!" as the grinning Mayor fought his way through ranks of TV cameras and photographers to leave New Street station.

And he was greeted by more reporters and cameramen at the Hyatt Hotel, where he was due to prepare for the first of two speeches over the next 24 hours.

Asked if he was in Birmingham to make trouble for Prime Minister David Cameron, Mr Johnson replied: "I'm here to support the party."

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Conference update: And here's what's coming up tomorrow:

0900: Environment, energy and climate change.
Speakers include Environment Secretary Owen Paterson, energy and climate change ministers Greg Barker and John Hayes and environment minister Richard Benyon.
1000: International Development Secretary Justine Greening.
1100: London Mayor Boris Johnson.
1130: Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
1200: Education Secretary Michael Gove.
1430: Home Affairs and Justice: speakers include Home Secretary Theresa May, Policing Minister Damian Green and Justice Secretary Chris Grayling.

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Gripping stuff.

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Conference update: The Chancellor was praised by Tory colleagues for his conference speech, but was angrily attacked by unions representing millions of workers in private firms and the public sector.

Prime Minister David Cameron and Foreign Secretary William Hague were among those happy with George Osborne's contribution.

But union officials criticised his "failed economic policies", while business leaders called for "swift action" on his growth priorities.

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey, said: "George Osborne's repetition of 'we are all in this together' is an insult to millions of families struggling to make ends meet and meaningless to the one in seven children who regularly go without a hot meal. His cuts will turn decent people into desperate people."

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Conference update: London Mayor Boris Johnson today warned that middle income families were feeling "utterly and understandably ignored", as he prepared to address the Conservative conference in Birmingham.

Mr Johnson's arrival in Birmingham threatens to overshadow events in the conference chamber, after polls suggesting that he outstrips Prime Minister David Cameron in public popularity thanks to his re-election as Mayor and his much-applauded handling of the summer's Olympic Games.

Today, he once again used a press article to highlight apparent differences with the Government, following earlier clashes over Europe, the proposed third runway at Heathrow and funding for infrastructure projects in the capital.

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Conference update: Workers are to be given the opportunity to give up employment rights in return for shares in their company, Chancellor George Osborne announced.

The new "employee-owners" will receive between £2,000 and £50,000 of shares that will be exempt from capital gains tax when sold, and in return will give up rights on unfair dismissal, redundancy and the right to request flexible working and time off for training.

Announcing the policy to the Conservative annual conference in Birmingham, Mr Osborne said it would appeal to new businesses starting up and small and medium-sized firms who need flexible labour and highly motivated staff.

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Prime Minister David Cameron listens to George Osborne's speech.

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Click here for report of Osborne's speech.

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Conference update: Cabinet colleagues praised Chancellor George Osborne's keynote speech to the Tory Party conference.

Prime Minister David Cameron told activists: "Great speech, that", while Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "It was a fantastic speech. Very, very clear, as always."

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: "It was a brilliant speech.

"I thought it really set an over-arching vision of the various different measures that we have taken in all different areas, and explained how we are dealing with the short-term challenges, but also, much more importantly, setting out the long-term agenda for the future of Britain."

Education Secretary Michael Gove hailed a "brilliant speech".
He said: "I thought he was very clear and authoritative and compassionate.
"I thought he outlined the way in which the decisions we have already taken are laying the foundations for future prosperity, and the challenges which are being felt through Britain that are being met by this Government."

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Worcester News: Join the debate here. Add your comments to the end of this story, or tweet at #ToriesWN

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Conference update: George Osborne warned parents on benefits they must make a "financial decision" about whether to have more children as he confirmed the Government is looking at how much money they receive.

The Chancellor said he was "asking questions" about whether mothers and fathers should automatically get more cash if the size of their family increases.

Mr Osborne is  setting out plans to slash a further £10 billion from the welfare bill on top of the £18 billion of cuts that are already under way in a bid to balance the books.

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Conference timetable today:

1100: The economy. Speakers include Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin and Business Minister Michael Fallon. Speech by Chancellor George Osborne.
1430: Turning communities around. Speakers include Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith.