Howard revamp for Tory conference

Michael Howard has ordered a revamp of the Tory Party conference - and plans to steal the limelight by delivering two set-piece speeches.

In addition to the traditional end-of-conference call to arms, the Conservative leader aims to stamp his personality on the annual gathering with an agenda-setting address three days earlier.

The party has also added a dash of Labour-style red to its blue-and-white "torch" logo, which will now carry all three colours of the Union Jack.

Debates at this year's gathering will centre on daily themes relevant to ordinary people's lives, in a bid to show the Tories listening and caring.

Under the banner "peace of mind", for example, party leaders will stage sessions on on crime and pensions.

Mr Howard has dumped the extra afternoon and evening debates introduced by Iain Duncan Smith, which were blamed for showing rows of empty seats on TV.

Party strategists hope the

changes will

help persuade votersthe party is serious about heeding their concerns.

"Two speeches is a way to get across Michael's strength of personality and sense of purpose," said a party insider.

"We want to show that we are bringing ourselves up to date."

Officials are anxious to stress that the aim of the new logo - to be unveiled today by party chairman Liam Fox - is not to stir up crude nationalism but "to show we want to unite the country".

Its red, white and blue theme is intended, according to the party's advertising consultantsto suggest "purposefulness-and modernity". And in another modernising move Michael Howard is to set up an online party - Conservatives Direct - for members not wishing to join a local association.

The party, inspired by internet banks such as First Direct, allows people to join the Conservatives without having to take part in local meetings or events.

Party co-chairman Liam Fox said: "The world has changed. People are more consumer orientated, they've got less time for the social side of politics."