Charlie is their darling

OH how they stamped their feet! Oh how they cheered! Charlie was back on stage.

The enthusiasm for the fallen leader was so great among activists that it took Mr Kennedy nearly eight minutes to walk the hundred yards or so from the Hilton Metropole Hotel to the Brighton conference centre to give his oath of allegiance to his successor Sir Ming Campbell.

The Liberal Democrat leadership and party managers would have expected nothing less than an expression of his willingness to serve in any capacity and a resounding affirmation of loyalty.

There were fears that Mr Kennedy's reception would more enthusiastic than that which Sir Ming will receive on Thursday. May be. And why not? Having been de-throned in January because of his love for the bottle, Charles Kennedy look leaner and much fitter than anyone could remember.Here was a politician back on the top of his game.

The manner of the coup which ousted him must still hurt Kennedy. But he didn't let it show yesterday in Brighton. "I feel personally and politically optimistic about our future.

"Let the message go out, quite simple but quite loud, quite clear and definitely united  - from each and evry one of us, as British Liberal Democrats, the best is yet to come."

His appearance and the reception he received made Labbrokes to install his as 2-1 favourite to succeed Sir Ming. Would anyone dare to disagree?