That wraps up our live text coverage of today's proceedings at Conservative Party conference. You can watch the whole thing, highlights and George Osborne's keynote speech in full by clicking on the Key Video tab. And don't forget that Andrew Neil will bring us his round-up of events on BBC Two at 23:20 BST. If you don't fancy staying up that late, catch it on the Live Coverage tab above. See you again tomorrow, for the penultimate day of the conference.
Mark Easton, Home Editor for BBC News
@BBCMarkEaston
tweets: Two-thirds of those affected by proposed benefits freeze are in working households. @hmtreasury
Paper reaction
The Mirror
The Mirror is critical of George Osborne's plans to freeze benefits for working-age people, headlining that it will "push more people below the poverty line". The paper states that the chancellor's decision to reduce the welfare bill to contribute to a further £25bn of spending cuts in the next parliament "has provoked fury among those who feel working people on benefits are already struggling".
Paper reaction
The Guardian
The Guardian's Nicholas Watt writes: "Osborne's speech was designed to frame the Tories' two key pre-election messages on the economy. These are that the party has taken tough decisions to stabilise the economy in the current parliament to begin the process of eliminating the structural budget deficit. The second message is that only the Conservatives - which he sought to characterise as the party of a low-tax future - can eliminate the deficit and build on the economic recovery."
Paper reaction
The Daily Mail
The Daily Mail reports that 10 million families would lose £500 under George Osborne's plan to freeze working-age benefits for two years, if the Conservatives win the general election. The move by the chancellor is expected to save £3bn. The paper also says of Mr Osborne: "He paid tribute to the British public for enduring the hard years of austerity to fix the economy, but warned in total another £25bn in cuts is needed to balance the books, including a fresh squeeze on public sector pay."
Super Tuesday
It's been a day of announcements - with pledges to freeze working-age benefits for two years and to introduce pre-paid benefit cards for welfare claimants. Proceedings recommence at 10.30 BST on Tuesday. Those addressing the party include London Mayor Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Theresa May, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling and the secretaries of state for health and education - Jeremy Hunt and Nicky Morgan.
Rupert Oldham-Reid, Researcher at the Centre for Social Justice
@RupesOR
tweets: IDS plan to trial prepaid cards for ppl with an addiction to protect families. Idea outlined in @csjthinktank report Ambitious for Recovery
Opposing 'evil'
Impressing upon conference the importance of getting people to vote Conservative at the general election, Iain Duncan Smith says: "Tell them this: 'If you want to stay behind your doors, all that is required for the triumph of evil is that the good should do nothing - do not number yourself amongst them.'" His speech goes down well in the hall. That ends today's main conference business.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Bright future?
George Osborne visited Jaguar Land Rover's new assembly plant in Solihull before his speech to conference.
PACopyright: PA
'Join the crusade'
Iain Duncan Smith's message to Conservatives is to go out "heads held high" and help to change Britain for the better. Knock on doors, tell the public about what we're doing, what we're offering, he counsels. And challenge your neighbours to come on board because "we are doing the right things for the right reasons" to secure the a better future for all. In an activist-rousing conclusion, he says: "'Join us,' you should say to them. 'Join us on that crusade because we care about our country,'" before adding: "Conference, it's time."
George Osborne
@George_Osborne
tweets: Have taken difficult decision to freeze working age benefits for 2 years to help Britain deal with our debts and secure the recovery
Robin Brant, BBC
@robindbrant
tweets: Tories level with labour in Ashcroft poll which was conducted over the weekend #CPC14
British jobs
Iain Duncan Smith says half the rise in employment under Labour was accounted for by foreign nationals, whereas over the last year 600,000 more British people are now in work under the current government. "Each and every one of those is a British life transformed," he adds.
Elephant outside the room
Anti-High Speed 2 protesters have been making their point known.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Bad habits
Iain Duncan Smith says benefits should be spent on families and not on feeding "destructive" habits, such as alcohol or drug addiction.
BreakingBreaking News
A future Conservative government would introduce pre-paid benefits cards for welfare claimants to ensure they cannot spend their money on alcohol, drugs or gambling, Iain Duncan Smith announces.
Hello, Mr Mayor
Boris Johnson is in Birmingham ahead of his speech tomorrow.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
The SNP
writes: Osborne continues cuts attack on vulnerable. Chancellor George Osborne has today signed Scotland up to billions of pounds of spending cuts - including more cuts that will hit the least well off in society hardest. Read more
BreakingBreaking News
Iain Duncan Smith announces that the roll-out of the Universal Credit scheme will be "accelerated".
'Cultural change'
Iain Duncan Smith insists the government is restoring fairness to "hard-working taxpayers" who fund the welfare bill. "This is cultural change worth fighting for," he tells the hall. He goes on to espouse the benefits of his flagship Universal Credit benefit system, which simplifies existing benefits into one.
Job centres
Iain Duncan Smith refers to government policies announced yesterday for three million extra apprenticeships for the young jobless, as part of efforts to eradicate youth unemployment. And he announces that job centres will work with pupils aged 15 or above who are at risk of falling out of education, employment or training, to support their aspirations and change their life prospects.
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BBC News website reader in Kent: It's a wonder that people on benefits aren't required to paint a red cross on their front door.
Life change
Iain Duncan Smith hails his department's welfare reforms as a success, and says they have helped people "at the very margins of society" who have been "left behind for too long". For them it is about life change, he tells conference.
'Independence'
The work and pensions secretary says his department's welfare reforms are vital to the government's economic plan - setting people on a journey from "dependence to independence". Iain Duncan Smith says the proportion of workless households was at its highest for over a decade under Labour, but is now the lowest on record. He criticises Labour for "relentlessly" opposing the changes in favour of short-term politics.
Labour legacy
People should not forget the legacy bequeathed to the government by Labour, Iain Duncan Smith says. He characterises it as "social breakdown and financial meltdown". He says welfare bills "spiralled out of control", and by 2010 cost every household in Britain £3,000 extra a year to sustain Labour's "something-for-nothing culture".
'Back to work'
Commenting on the government's record, Iain Duncan Smith declares that Britain now stands on "a sound and stable footing" after being "crippled by Labour's great recession". He says the country has got "back to work", bringing security to families across the UK.
The Incredibles
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has the platform - and pays tribute to his "incredible" team of ministers, advisers and departmental staff, and extends his congratulations to Lib Dem pensions minister Steve Webb.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Rowena Mason, Political correspondent at The Guardian
@rowenamason
tweets: John Redwood having what looks like quite a cordial conversation with Michael Fallon outside conf centre despite EU biz warning reports
A talk then IDS
Time for a panel discussion now, led by employment minister Esther McVey. Iain Duncan Smith - the man who has been driving the government's welfare reforms - will be addressing conference in about 10 minutes.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Daniel Hannan MEP, Daily Mail
writes: Only a Tory-Ukip deal can stop Labour winning power. Combined, the Conservative and Ukip vote comes to nearly half the national total. Yet, as things stand, Ed Miliband is likely to become Prime Minister with around 35 per cent support. Read more
Georgia Graham, Political Correspondent, The Telegraph
tweets: Just announced that in last year 230,000 homes given planning permission in England #cpc14
High office
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Thatcher
Eric Pickles says David Cameron is taking forward former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's "spirit of aspiration". He adds that he is proud of the Conservatives' record in government - but fears this could be "wiped out" by Labour if it wins the general election. "We will never forget the deficit," he says and concludes that together the Conservatives can build a Britain "that we can all be proud of".
Crate mates
Toy lizards loosely based on Boris Johnson are on sale at the conference.
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
On the ladder
Eric Pickles praises the government's Help to Buy and Right to Buy housing schemes - and announces that last year 230,000 homes received planning permission "in England alone". He pledges that the Conservatives will do more - and reiterates a commitment to help first-time home buyers, including with 100,000 new starter homes sold at 20% of the market rate. There will also be a rent to buy scheme to help young people to save the deposit to buy a new home.
Housing hailed
Eric Pickles says he is most proud of his department's achievements on housing, which he says have been the most difficult aspect of policy to deliver. He says the Conservatives were the first party to put home ownership "in the grasp" of people. Labour "just didn't think it mattered", he adds, noting that house-building fell to the lowest peace time level in the 1920s. He goes on to criticise Ed Miliband's plan for housing.
May's office buddy
Eric Pickles reveals his efficiency drive enabled the department to relocate to the Home Office's building, meaning he is now "hot-desking" with Theresa May to save taxpayers' £9m a year. "I'm sure she's very happy," he quips.
'People power'
Eric Pickles says his purpose in government has been to bring "real" power to the people, through policies such as council tax freezes, enabling councils to share services and management to cut costs, and reducing the size of government. He says his own department's workforce has been reduced by 60%.
'More money not the answer'
Eric Pickles says David Cameron is determined to deliver "fairness" to England, and all parts of the United Kingdom. It is not a surprise that Labour just doesn't get it, he adds, and accuses the previous government of trying to "palm off" the electorate with regional government. "Any solution that involves taxpayers funding more politicians is definitely not the answer."
BBCCopyright: BBC
It's Pickles
A warm reception for Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles. He says as an Englishman he is "proud" to be part of a United Kingdom, but stresses that more devolved powers for Scotland must mean greater devolution elsewhere in the UK. He says "platinum-card wielding Scottish MPs" should not be able to vote on England-only matters - the so-called West Lothian question. The time has come for English votes on English laws, he says.
Daily Sunday Politics
@daily_politics
tweets: Asked by @afneil for a guarantee that he would not be defecting to UKIP. @DanHannanMEP answers "yes" in #bbcdp clip
BBC News website reader: It's all very well blaming the poorest in society and freezing their benefits but what about the rich and the business leaders who spend all their energy avoiding their tax obligations? We need increased revenue, not just reduced spending!
Housing
Time for a short speech from councillor Gary Porter - chairman of the Conservative Councillors' Association - who focuses his remarks on housing. He welcomes the government's "Help to Buy" scheme, which is designed to help people trying to get on the housing ladder who can afford mortgage repayments but are struggling to raise a deposit.
'Ravages repaired'
Francis Maude says the Conservatives have repaired the "ravages of Labour years in office" but counsels that there is much more to do. He says the party must earn the right to continue to serve the British public - but insists it can secure victory next May, "and we need to, for the country".
Strikes
Francis Maude reiterates the Conservatives' pledge to outlaw strike action where less than half the eligible members have voted and based on outdated mandates - which is met with applause.
'Thank you'
On the need for further civil service reform, Mr Maude tells the hall that staff themselves are demanding change. He says the country's civil servants "are probably the best in the world, and we really don't thank them enough" - but it isn't the best civil service in the world yet, he adds. Mr Maude also dismisses claims that he is trying to "politicise" the civil service.
'Inspiration'
Francis Maude praises the National Citizen Service which he says brings together children from different backgrounds to run community projects. He says more than 100,000 children have taken part and describes it as an "inspirational rite of passage".
Message for Ed
Francis Maude says that by cutting the costs of government the Conservatives are able to put "real money" into frontline care. In a message to Labour leader Ed Miliband, he says that's how you protect the NHS, not through "empty slogans".
'Better place'
Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude has the stage. He begins by saying Britain is becoming "a better place" with "better services being delivered more efficiently". He says the government has improved public procurement, "slashed" government spending on consultancy and cut the size of the civil service, "with more to come". He concedes it isn't "headline-grabbing stuff" but insists it is making government more efficient and effective.
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E.Costen, Lowestoft: Osborne may not be saying what we want to hear but he is being straight us. Surely there's only one party to vote for next year.
Praise for ministers
BBCCopyright: BBC
The afternoon begins with an introductory speech from Tiz Baskerville, the vice-president of the National Conservative Convention. She praises Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith for working "tirelessly" to reform welfare, cap benefits and ensure that "work pays". Ms Baskerville also praises Francis Maude for his Whitehall efficiency agenda, and Eric Pickles for boosting housing supply and giving more power to local communities
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Richard Heath: The manner of Osborne's speech tells you all you need to know about what distinguishes the Tories from Labour. Professional, realistic and honest, compared to fanciful, unexplained, unrealistic promises.
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Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Reg Hodder, Liverpool: As much as it's hard for me to say the Conservatives have done a great job over the last five years, yes it's been hard but I can see light at the end of the tunnel. God help us if Labour get back in.
Tough decisions
Speaking to the BBC's World at One programme earlier, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin rejected suggestions that the welfare benefits freeze announced by the Conservatives today was unfair. He admitted that "very tough decisions" have to be taken to reduce the deficit, but insisted the welfare system must be "fair" to the taxpayers who pay for it.
Norman Smith, BBC
@BBCNormanS
tweets: £9b of the £25b of spending cuts outlined by Chancellor today still to be spelt out #cpc14
Conference agenda
Conference has now resumed for the afternoon session, which is dedicated to work and pensions, government reform and communities and local government. Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude will address delegates at 14.40 BST, followed a little later by Eric Pickles, the communities and local government secretary - due to speak at about 15.00 BST. The afternoon will end with a keynote speech from Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith.
'Long way to go'
John Cridland, director-general of the CBI employers' group, says: "The chancellor should be credited for sticking to his guns on deficit reduction but we shouldn't underestimate how far we have to go. Further deficit reduction must include welfare reform, as the chancellor said."
George Osborne's speech was "a real political curveball". Chancellors tend to use their last conference speech before a general election to "spray around the cash" and make attractive promises - but Mr Osborne's message was that "there's a lot more pain to come". The chancellor is pinning his hopes on "competence and candour": that voters will reward him for reducing the deficit and for levelling with people about the scale of challenges ahead.
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Chris: Osborne seems to forget we are worse off than 5 years ago.
Refuelling time
Conservative conference-goers are now enjoying their lunch and the range of fringe events on offer. Proceedings get going again in the hall at 14:30 BST.
Hancock on tax
Business minister Matt Hancock is tells the BBC's Daily Politics he rejects the assertion that the government is hitting the working-age poor hardest, and says it has helped people by cutting income taxes for the lowest paid.
'Well done'
David Cameron in a show of support for his chancellor.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Happy hall
George Osborne receives a standing ovation as he concludes his speech, which appeared to be very-well received by delegates.
BBCCopyright: BBC
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BBC News website reader: The Conservative government / Chancellor, George Osborne, may have a plan that works in theory but if the people won't back it, it will merely remain an idea!
'Choose us'
The Conservatives will enter the general election as "the party of progress", George Osborne tells conference, having led Britain to economic recovery when "all over Europe there has been crisis and uncertainty". He adds: "Now we seek a new mandate as the party of jobs, and security and a strong prime minister against the party offering higher taxes, more debt and Ed Miliband." The chancellor concludes that only the Conservatives offer a "confident future for Britain", and the message to the people should be to "choose David Cameron, choose the Conservatives, choose the future".
Lionel Barber, Editor of the Financial Times
@lionelbarber
tweets: Osborne worries about pre-eminent London in UK economy "not healthy" - #MrRegion #north/south divide
Laura Kuenssberg, BBC
@bbclaurak
tweets: Osborne biggest cheer line in audience so far - scrapping pension tax
Pensions promise
On to the pensions announcement. Mr Osborne reiterates that he will abolish the 55% tax rate on inherited pensions funds - which meets with much applause. "Freedom for people's pensions," he declares.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Mission statement
The chancellor keeps stressing that the choice ahead is between the past and the future. He goes on to talk about the disparities between different parts of the UK, which he says have grown up over decades. But he says it is a "driving mission" to reduce the gap between north and south, and emphasises that it will be a central issue for a future Conservative government.
Tax pledge
George Osborne also pledges to come down hard on businesses that try to avoid paying the full taxes they owe.
'Party of fairness'
George Osborne aims fire at Labour again, which he says is "anti-business". He praises the current government's record on private sector job creation, low business taxes, capping pay day loans, increasing the national minimum wage - and says the Conservatives are the party of "fairness" and "on the side of enterprise"
Get involved
Tweet: @BBCPolitics
@StephenParry80 tweets: Wish MPs would stop referring to pensions as welfare. Pensioners HAVE PAID IN. @George_Osborne
'Better life'
George Osborne tells the hall that youth unemployment has fallen "sharply" but says many are still reliant on a life on benefits. He pledges to end youth unemployment "altogether", by reducing the amount of benefits households can receive each year and abolishing job seekers' allowance to fund three million new apprenticeships. These are "three million more chances for a better life", he adds.
Nick Robinson, Political Editor, BBC News
@bbcnickrobinson
tweets: Tories pledge 2 year post-election freeze of working age benefits. Affects JSA, IS, Tax credits, Child Ben, H Ben not pensions or disabled
'Fairer system'
"We will provide a welfare system that is fair to those who need it and fair to those who pay for it too," George Osborne tells conference, adding that freezing working-age benefits will save £3bn.
Whitehall
George Osborne says Whitehall spending cuts will continue at the same rate for at least the next two years, saving at least £13bn.
BreakingBreaking News
Working-age benefits would be frozen for two years under a Conservative government, George Osborne announces.
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@andyrob78uk tweets: Brilliantly written and delivered speech by @George_Osborne. [Can't believe the hoi polloi are about to vote labour back in power]
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@LucyFerman tweets: Watching #Osborne speech whilst waiting for appt in packed #NHS waiting room. Somehow don't think much of his promised tonic will help here
Devolution
George Osborne says the Conservatives will honour pledges to hand more powers to Scotland - but says there must also be further devolution to the rest of the UK as well.
'Overspending'
Labour is not being straight with the people over what is required to balance the nation's books, George Osborne says, whereas the Conservatives have been able "to take the people with us" by levelling with them about the scale of the challenge. The latest Treasury estimate is that a further £25bn of permanent spending cuts or taxes are needed to eliminate the deficit - but tax cuts are not the answer, he argues, insisting that country has not taxed too little but spent too much.
Surplus requirement
George Osborne is receiving lots of applause from party members. He says economic security is at the core of the Conservatives' offering. He says the party would ring-fence banks' high street operations from "riskier" investment arms. Now some comment on the deficit, which although halved is "still too high". Mr Osborne pledges the Conservatives will continue to eliminate it and run "surpluses" in future years.
Impressing the boss?
David Cameron is among the audience watching the chancellor's speech.
BBCCopyright: BBC
George Eaton, Political Editor, New Statesman
@georgeeaton
tweets: Osborne has some chutzpah lecturing others on the importance of economic growth after 2010-12 stagnation.
Backing the future
Some praise from George Osborne for his leader, David Cameron, who he says offers "real leadership". The chancellor goes on to talk about the choices the country faces - "the past or the future". The Conservatives choose the latter, he adds.
'Real NHS party'
George Osborne says Labour's policies are "built on sand" - arguing that the NHS cannot be properly funded unless the economy is working properly. It's only because the government took difficult spending decisions that it was able to ring-fence the NHS budget in this parliament, he says, and insists the Conservatives are the "real party of the NHS".
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@DJDonegal tweets: Cheap shot at Ed Miliband. Verrrrry cheap. #Osborne #CPC14
On the attack
Mr Osborne mocks Labour leader Ed Miliband's speech, which he says "was so forgettable, he forgot it himself" - prompting laughter. Forgetting to mention the deficit was not "some hapless mistake" but "disqualification for the high office he seeks", he asserts.
Challenges
Global events have an impact on both national and economic security, the chancellor tells the hall. He says new technologies are "fundamentally shaking up" the traditional way of doing things, which is "exciting" but also "unsettling". It brings intense competition that spells "rapid decline" for any sector or country that "fails to keep up". But the next Conservative government will provide these answers, Mr Osborne promises.
'More to do'
George Osborne says he is "humbled" by how much more there is to do - to reduce the debt and support businesses - and resolves to "finish the job we have started". He says Britain cannot "ease up" and cites other European countries which risk returning for crisis for taking their foot off the pedal. He also cites the international situation, including Russia, the Ebola outbreak and a generational struggle against "barbaric" Islamic State militants.
Jim Pickard, Chief Political Correspondent for the Financial Times
@PickardJE
tweets: What is the surprise Osborne welfare announcement? Taking away child benefit from big families? Will find our soon.
'Plan working'
Mr Osborne says the Conservatives "held our nerve" despite criticisms of their economic plan - and points out that Britain is now the "fastest-growing most job-creating, most deficit-reducing country of any major advanced economy in the word". He adds: "Our long-term economic plan is working."
Golden legacy
George Osborne cites the Golden Boys statue in Birmingham, near the conference hall, which he says is an image that captures the "golden age of our country... when we faced the future with confidence". I want us to be that Britain, he tells the hall, and says it can be the most prosperous, dynamic and creative country in the world.
Chancellor speaks
BBCCopyright: BBC
Osborne begins
Enter, stage left, Chancellor George Osborne, who receives a standing ovation from the hall.
'Leave it alone'
Lord Jones appeals to politicians of all persuasions not to "mess with our economy" which is "too precious to be gambled with on the alter of experiment or some tribal ideology".
'Freeing the poor'
Lord Jones quotes William Gladstone's words : "You don't set the poor free by giving the money; you set the poor free by giving them an education." He criticises national insurance contributions (NICs) as his "pet hate", and says the chancellor is "quite right" to describe it as a "jobs tax". He hopes all parties will commit in their manifestos to completing abolishing NICs, and linking their abolition to "training more and young people".
Prophet of profit
Lord Jones says social inclusion and wealth creation must go together, and business "is the route to that". But, he stresses, all politicians must send a message that "there is nothing wrong with making and keeping a profit" - which invites applause around the hall.
Robert Peston, Economics Editor for the BBC
@Peston
tweets: So how early in @George_Osborne speech will he poke fun at @Ed_Miliband for not mentioning the deficit?
'Go on, Digby'
Party chairman Grant Shapps and Baroness Brady, football boss and Apprentice TV show star, enjoying Lord Jones's speech.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Birmingham's own
Lord Jones praises his home city as he whips up the crowd ahead of George Osborne's speech.
BBCCopyright: BBC
'Backing business'
Lord Jones, who is a crossbench peer and was never a Labour member, says : "Business is my constituency."
Digby's here
Former Labour minister Lord Jones of Birmingham - better known as Digby Jones - is addressing the conference.
Almost time
Delegates rise to their feet and applause as their leader, David Cameron, enters the hall and takes his seat to hear George Osborne's speech.
Nick Robinson, BBC
@bbcnickrobinson
tweets: Standby for @George_Osborne to announce a significant cut in welfare spending. Tories hope they - not @UKIP - will get headlines today
Post update
It's almost time for George Osborne's speech. There's a brief interlude in the hall as delegates await the chancellor's arrival.
Tuck tycoon's talk
The second standing ovation of the day - for guest speaker 19-year-old Bejay Mulenga. He tells conference how he went from near-expulsion from school to founder and director of Supa Tuck; a youth-run, school-based enterprise scheme where young people in education run their own tuck shop, which he says was worth £200,000 by the time he was 18. But that wasn't the best bit, Mr Mulenga tells the hall - it was the opportunity to teach business skills to 5,000 young people. He praises government initiatives, such as start-up loans and financial and mentoring support, for helping him to achieve his success.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Tax
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid tells the BBC's Daily Politics the government is looking to do more to help working people and that he's "very proud" that many people have been taken out of income tax.
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Jim Holden in Birmingham: I am 68 and I am wondering what the latest proposal on the pensions means to me, I can only see this causing further divide between those that have and those that have not.
On their feet
Patrick McLoughlin wraps up his speech by pledging that a Conservative government would work with business to rebuild Britain and reward hard work "for a better qualify of life". He receives the first standing ovation of the day.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Andrew Sinclair, BBC
@andrewpolitics
tweets: Transport Sec praises @iainastewart for his campaign on east/west rail and @ben4ipswich & @ChloeSmithMP for their greater anglia campaign
Raising the bar
Patrick McLoughlin criticises union leaders for calling strikes with "low turnouts and old mandates" as "unfair and unjustifiable" - and says there should be a "proper threshold" before a strike is possible: "That's standing up for hard-working people," he argues.
'Labour hasn't learned'
Building Britain means being ambitious for every part of the country, Patrick McLoughlin says, and tells conference it is "our mission" to open horizons, create opportunities and change lives. Another attack on Labour - he says the party didn't invest and the country "plummeted" from 7th to 33rd in the global infrastructure rankings. The party "hasn't learned", he claims.
Nice chat for Pat
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin notes that Japanese electronics firm Hitachi decided this year to move its global headquarters to Britain - which he reveals was" one of the best phone calls I have received in this job".
Lib Dem seats 'winnable'
Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson tells the BBC's Daily Politics her party is hopeful of taking seats from the Liberal democrats at the next general election.
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Adam Deacon, Bridgend, South Wales: Excellent news for those who are saving for retirement and those already in retirement using income drawdown. It has always been a big concern of our clients that when they pass away their family will pay a 55% tax on their hard earned savings.
Adam Jogee, Labour Member for Hornsey on Haringey Council
@AJogee
tweets: Truss says: 'when it comes to British food, we have never had it so good'. Spare a thought for those forced to use food banks, Liz #CPC14
McLoughlin's round-up
Patrick McLoughlin says the transport legacy inherited from Labour was "not good enough for the future" - and asserts that infrastructure is the key to growth. He cites what he sees as the government's achievements on transport, including better roads and buses, rail fare freezes, increased rolling stock, Crossrail and a doubling of spending on cycling. The Conservatives are also the first to charge foreign lorries to use our roads, he says.
Transported?
Baroness Brady, star of BBC One's The Apprentice, watches as Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin speaks.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Numbers game
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin opens his remarks with an attack on Labour leader Ed Miliband, saying it is a "cheek" for him to ask the country for 10 years to, in Mr Miliband's words, "turn Britain around". Mr McLoughlin quips that "10 minutes would be 11 too long".
Story 'rejected'
Tom Newton Dunn, the Sun's political editor, tells the BBC's Daily Politics his newspaper and the Mail on Sunday were offered the story that led to Conservative minister Brooks Newmark's resignation. Both papers turned it down, he says.
'Lead the world'
Concluding her remarks, Elizabeth Truss says that under a Conservative government Britain "will lead the world" in food, farming and the environment. She also expresses her determination to restore habitats, clean rivers and improve the atmosphere for future generations.
'Eat British cheese'
Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss tells conference that the food industry is one of the "fastest-growing" areas for entrepreneurs, and says her department is helping it by "slashing" red tape, opening up public procurement and almost 600 new markets overseas. Exports have increased by more than £1bn over the past four years, Ms Truss goes on to say, noting that the UK is producing more varieties of cheese than the French and "selling tea to China". But she wants the country to be eating more British food, pointing out that we import more than two thirds of our apples, and cheese. "That is a disgrace," Ms Truss remarks, to applause.
Hannan on Reckless and Carswell
Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan, a friend of both Douglas Carswell and Mark Reckless, says they have made a "mistake" in defecting to UKIP but he will not disown them. He adds that he will not change party.
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David, Leyland: White Dee says not everyone wants to work in an office or build a wall. Not everyone can have a celebrity lifestyle. Not everyone can have a skilled job without putting the effort in. No-one should receive benefits that a working person would have to earn £30k per year to achieve - that is what giving £23k means. Are all our £30k earners in poverty then?
Flood defences
Elizabeth Truss says the government is spending £3.2bn on flood defences - "half a billion more" than under Labour - which is "better-protecting" 165,000 homes and more than 580,000 acres of farmland. She continues with an attack on Labour's record in office and claims the party "do not care about the countryside".
BBCCopyright: BBC
James Forsyth, The Spectator
@JGForsyth
tweets: Truss doing her I chose the Conservative party rather than being born into it shtick. Going down well with the activists in the hall
Truss's conversion
Delegates are now listening to a speech from Environment Secretary Liz Truss. She reveals her delight and surprise at being appointed to the post in David Cameron's last cabinet reshuffle. Going through her family background, she says she has a lot in common with Ed Miliband - having grown up in a left-wing household and taken part in marches and peace camps - which prompts some murmurs and mutterings in the hall. But, she says she "rebelled" and became a Conservative - cue cheers.
What makes Britain great?
Sajid Javid says the UK's culture, heritage and traditions are not just vital to the economy. They are also what "make Britain great". "Don't let anyone tell you that Conservatives don't care about culture," he tells conference. Turning to the BBC, he questions whether it is right that people can be sent to prison for failing to pay the BBC licence fee - and reiterates Conservative plans to decriminalise non-payment, which receives some applause.
Joey Jones, Deputy Political Editor, Sky News
@joeyjonessky
tweets: We're getting a lot of backstory from speakers this morning. Interesting to see if @George_Osborne follows that trend.
Labour toxic, says Javid
Sajid Javid continues attacking Labour, saying the party has a "toxic" economic legacy. He says the Conservatives have got Britain "back on track". But he says the country still has more to do, particularly in areas such as delivering super-fast broadband. The minister goes on to praise the UK's creative industries - which he says are worth more than £70bn a year to the economy.
Javid berates Labour
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid says the Conservatives, rather than Labour, are the party which allows immigrants to prosper.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Tom Newton Dunn, Political Editor of The Sun
@tnewtondunn
tweets: Benefits Street's White Dee tells @Policy_Exchange she may abandon Labour to vote UKIP (mixed publicity for both).
Sajid Javid
An early round of applause for Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Sajid Javid, who now has the stage. He talks about his parents, who were immigrants, who taught him to "work hard and take responsibility for myself and my actions" to appreciate the "importance of family" and "to love my country". He says he didn't know it then, but these are "unshakeable Conservative values".
David Cameron
@David_Cameron
tweets: Pensioners will be able to leave more of their hard-earned money to their family. Just one of our policies to secure a better future #CPC14
tweets: Really good pro business speech from Matt Hancock #cpc14
More Hancock
Taking conference through the government's record, Matt Hancock says inequality and youth unemployment are falling, and apprenticeships have doubled. All of this has been done "within the shackles" of coalition, he adds. The minister also says the government has reduced the amount of red tape because "we back business".
George Osborne
@George_Osborne
tweets: Just been to thriving Jaguar Land Rover plant in Solihull. The future of the economy is at the core of the choice facing Britain
'On your side'
Now for a speech from Matt Hancock, a minister in both the business and energy departments. Addressing delegates, Mr Hancock says he is "passionate" about standing up for enterprise. In a message to the country's entrepreneurs, he adds: "We are on your side". Ed Miliband's Labour Party, however, is "a truly anti-business party" that threatens the UK recovery and prosperity, he says.
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Yvonne Glendenning: George Osborne has been very clever with pension plan reforms which have been very well thought out. The Conservative party must win the next general election as it would be a total disaster if Labour won.
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Walter, Belfast: Under a Conservative government my tax has risen by £8 per month. They are even taxing my state pension and I am an 82 yr old pensioner.
Kick-off
The hall is looking pretty full as day two of the Conservative Party conference gets under way, beginning with a short speech from National Conservative Convention chairman Emma Pidding. She tells conference the country "cannot afford" another Labour government, and says the Conservatives must stick by their long-term economic plan "to secure a brighter and better future for Britain, and future generations".
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Jennifer Williams, Manchester Evening News
@JenWilliamsMEN
tweets: Things You See At Tory Conference That You Don't See At Labour #1: Harvey Nichols wine tasting masterclass. See photo
'Enormous risk'
Former Tory MP Mark Reckless, who announced his defection to UKIP on the eve of Conservative Party conference, has conceded he may lose the ensuing by-election and become "a footnote in history". In an interview with BBC Radio Kent, the ex-Rochester and Strood MP says he thinks he has a "fighting chance" but admits he is "running an enormous personal risk". He also defends his decision to keep his planned move under wraps, following an onslaught of criticism from his former colleagues.
Dee 4 George?
Brian Wheeler, political reporter
White Dee - or Deirdre Kelly to use her proper name - is singing from George Osborne's hymn sheet here. She is urging the government to "concentrate more on the kids" to "stop them going into the system and getting stuck there for years and years". More apprenticeships are the answer, she tells the Policy Exchange fringe meeting. Oh, hang on. She says the situation for jobseekers has got "much worse" under this government. There is too much sanctioning and not enough appropriate training.
Emily Ashton, The Sun
@elashton
tweets: White Dee hits out at jobs offered to benefit claimants: 'Not everyone wants to work in an office or build a wall.' See photo
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BBC News website reader: A benefit for after you're dead. Outstanding
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Anthony Barry, Darwen, Lancashire: This is great news, an election ploy indeed but at least it will keep my financial advisor happy when I say to him I want to draw down another £50,000 into my pot to spend as and when I like without the fear or me dying and then the government takes 55% tax of what is left.
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Peter Carder: The pension tax cut announced today is a typical Tory policy giving more to their rich Tory friends. Most working class people can barely afford a pension today after the Tory cuts.
She's here!
Brian Wheeler, political reporter
She's here. White Dee, real name Deirdre Kelly, is speaking at a fringe meeting.
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Celeb stardust
Brian Wheeler, political reporter
Standing room only at a morning fringe meeting. Is the PM making an unscheduled appearance? Obama? Boris? Nope, the crowds and cameras are here for White Dee from Channel 4's Benefits Street.
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Steve Monckton in Llantrisant, Mid Glamorgan: Further positive news by George Osborne to promote people saving adequately for their retirement. So long as all forms of tax relief are kept intact most middle-aged clients should look to pensions savings as their first port of call, followed by NISA's. I can see significantly more people paying up to their Annual Allowance each year than previously.
Benefit cuts
In other news, David Cameron has told the BBC that a future Conservative government would cap benefits further to fund three million apprenticeships. The party would cut the maximum benefits a household can claim a year from £26,000 to £23,000 to pay for the move - which is designed to "abolish" youth unemployment. Unemployed 18 to 21-year olds would be given six months to find work or training.
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BBC News website reader: Tories giving to their own with the pension tax cut. Not many people who work for a living on the minimum wage have that kind of money.
James Tapsfield, Press Association
@JamesTapsfield
tweets: Osborne's 'caesar' cut looking a bit bathing cap today. In danger of morphing into David Miliband
Stolen thunder?
Brian Wheeler, politics reporter
A withering put down for the UKIP defectors from veteran Maastricht rebel Bernard Jenkin at a fringe meeting last night. What distinguishes "reckless Reckless" and "kamikaze Carswell" from the original gang of Tory Eurosceptic rebels, he said, is their youthful impetuousness. "These are people who I think have arrived only quite recently into this debate. They are impatient with those of who have been making these arguments much longer than them. They think they know much better than us and they've kicked the table over and decided to go and join UKIP, with only one effect that they would be helping Ed Miliband into Number 10."
'Utterly nuts'
Boris Johnson has made his views known on Tory defections to rivals UKIP, saying anyone thinking about leaving to join the party "must be utterly nuts". It comes after two Conservative MPs - Douglas Carswell and, this weekend, Mark Reckless - left to join Nigel Farage's party. Mr Johnson, the Conservative London mayor and 2015 parliamentary candidate, suggested would-be switchers would help Ed Miliband's Labour Party into government. He also dismissed press reports of more defections in the offing as "fanciful", in a piece for the Daily Telegraph.
Patrick Wintour, Political editor of the Guardian
@patrickwintour
tweets: From those who heard Osborne practising his speech last night. It is all about the choice.
Almost there
Here's another chance to glimpse the chancellor as he makes his way through the conference centre.
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Wes Streeting, Labour councillor
@wesstreeting
tweets: This is not a Chancellor governing in the national interest. The UKIP tail is wagging a subservient, supine Tory dog. @BBCr4today
George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer
@George_Osborne
tweets: We should abolish long term youth unemployment. We'll spend less on benefits & more on helping young people get jobs
Time for a cuppa
George Osborne has done the rounds of TV and radio interviews ahead of his speech later.
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Conference agenda
This morning's theme at conference is the economy. There will be speeches from Business, Innovation and Skills Minister Matt Hancock (10.35 BST) - who also has a portfolio in the energy department; Culture Media and Sport Secretary Sajid Javid (10.45 BST); Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Liz Truss (11.15 BST) and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin (11.30 BST).
Newspaper sting
Brooks Newmark resigned as minister for civil society after he allegedly sent explicit pictures of himself to an undercover Sunday Mirror journalist. A fellow Conservative MP, Mark Pritchard, is to make a formal complaint to the independent press regulator against the paper, saying "questionable techniques" were involved in its report. The Sunday Mirror said that the story was in the public interest.
Shifting the focus
The Conservatives are keen to shift the focus on to policies today, after the weekend's headlines were dominated by the defection of an MP to UKIP, and a ministerial resignation over a newspaper allegation.
Good morning
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Monday at the Conservative Party conference. It's going to be a busy day. The highlight of today's agenda is a speech from Chancellor George Osborne, at about 11.50 BST. He is to set out plans to scrap the 55% tax rate on inherited pension funds; the changes will come in to effect from next April.
Live Reporting
Pippa Simm, Victoria Park and Justin Parkinson
All times stated are UK
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Latest PostGoodbye for now
That wraps up our live text coverage of today's proceedings at Conservative Party conference. You can watch the whole thing, highlights and George Osborne's keynote speech in full by clicking on the Key Video tab. And don't forget that Andrew Neil will bring us his round-up of events on BBC Two at 23:20 BST. If you don't fancy staying up that late, catch it on the Live Coverage tab above. See you again tomorrow, for the penultimate day of the conference.
Mark Easton, Home Editor for BBC News
@BBCMarkEaston
tweets: Two-thirds of those affected by proposed benefits freeze are in working households. @hmtreasury
Paper reaction
The Mirror
The Mirror is critical of George Osborne's plans to freeze benefits for working-age people, headlining that it will "push more people below the poverty line". The paper states that the chancellor's decision to reduce the welfare bill to contribute to a further £25bn of spending cuts in the next parliament "has provoked fury among those who feel working people on benefits are already struggling".
Paper reaction
The Guardian
The Guardian's Nicholas Watt writes: "Osborne's speech was designed to frame the Tories' two key pre-election messages on the economy. These are that the party has taken tough decisions to stabilise the economy in the current parliament to begin the process of eliminating the structural budget deficit. The second message is that only the Conservatives - which he sought to characterise as the party of a low-tax future - can eliminate the deficit and build on the economic recovery."
Paper reaction
The Daily Mail
The Daily Mail reports that 10 million families would lose £500 under George Osborne's plan to freeze working-age benefits for two years, if the Conservatives win the general election. The move by the chancellor is expected to save £3bn. The paper also says of Mr Osborne: "He paid tribute to the British public for enduring the hard years of austerity to fix the economy, but warned in total another £25bn in cuts is needed to balance the books, including a fresh squeeze on public sector pay."
Super Tuesday
It's been a day of announcements - with pledges to freeze working-age benefits for two years and to introduce pre-paid benefit cards for welfare claimants. Proceedings recommence at 10.30 BST on Tuesday. Those addressing the party include London Mayor Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Theresa May, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling and the secretaries of state for health and education - Jeremy Hunt and Nicky Morgan.
Rupert Oldham-Reid, Researcher at the Centre for Social Justice
@RupesOR
tweets: IDS plan to trial prepaid cards for ppl with an addiction to protect families. Idea outlined in @csjthinktank report Ambitious for Recovery
Opposing 'evil'
Impressing upon conference the importance of getting people to vote Conservative at the general election, Iain Duncan Smith says: "Tell them this: 'If you want to stay behind your doors, all that is required for the triumph of evil is that the good should do nothing - do not number yourself amongst them.'" His speech goes down well in the hall. That ends today's main conference business.
Bright future?
George Osborne visited Jaguar Land Rover's new assembly plant in Solihull before his speech to conference.
'Join the crusade'
Iain Duncan Smith's message to Conservatives is to go out "heads held high" and help to change Britain for the better. Knock on doors, tell the public about what we're doing, what we're offering, he counsels. And challenge your neighbours to come on board because "we are doing the right things for the right reasons" to secure the a better future for all. In an activist-rousing conclusion, he says: "'Join us,' you should say to them. 'Join us on that crusade because we care about our country,'" before adding: "Conference, it's time."
George Osborne
@George_Osborne
tweets: Have taken difficult decision to freeze working age benefits for 2 years to help Britain deal with our debts and secure the recovery
Robin Brant, BBC
@robindbrant
tweets: Tories level with labour in Ashcroft poll which was conducted over the weekend #CPC14
British jobs
Iain Duncan Smith says half the rise in employment under Labour was accounted for by foreign nationals, whereas over the last year 600,000 more British people are now in work under the current government. "Each and every one of those is a British life transformed," he adds.
Elephant outside the room
Anti-High Speed 2 protesters have been making their point known.
Bad habits
Iain Duncan Smith says benefits should be spent on families and not on feeding "destructive" habits, such as alcohol or drug addiction.
BreakingBreaking News
A future Conservative government would introduce pre-paid benefits cards for welfare claimants to ensure they cannot spend their money on alcohol, drugs or gambling, Iain Duncan Smith announces.
Hello, Mr Mayor
Boris Johnson is in Birmingham ahead of his speech tomorrow.
The SNP
writes: Osborne continues cuts attack on vulnerable. Chancellor George Osborne has today signed Scotland up to billions of pounds of spending cuts - including more cuts that will hit the least well off in society hardest. Read more
BreakingBreaking News
Iain Duncan Smith announces that the roll-out of the Universal Credit scheme will be "accelerated".
'Cultural change'
Iain Duncan Smith insists the government is restoring fairness to "hard-working taxpayers" who fund the welfare bill. "This is cultural change worth fighting for," he tells the hall. He goes on to espouse the benefits of his flagship Universal Credit benefit system, which simplifies existing benefits into one.
Job centres
Iain Duncan Smith refers to government policies announced yesterday for three million extra apprenticeships for the young jobless, as part of efforts to eradicate youth unemployment. And he announces that job centres will work with pupils aged 15 or above who are at risk of falling out of education, employment or training, to support their aspirations and change their life prospects.
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BBC News website reader in Kent: It's a wonder that people on benefits aren't required to paint a red cross on their front door.
Life change
Iain Duncan Smith hails his department's welfare reforms as a success, and says they have helped people "at the very margins of society" who have been "left behind for too long". For them it is about life change, he tells conference.
'Independence'
The work and pensions secretary says his department's welfare reforms are vital to the government's economic plan - setting people on a journey from "dependence to independence". Iain Duncan Smith says the proportion of workless households was at its highest for over a decade under Labour, but is now the lowest on record. He criticises Labour for "relentlessly" opposing the changes in favour of short-term politics.
Labour legacy
People should not forget the legacy bequeathed to the government by Labour, Iain Duncan Smith says. He characterises it as "social breakdown and financial meltdown". He says welfare bills "spiralled out of control", and by 2010 cost every household in Britain £3,000 extra a year to sustain Labour's "something-for-nothing culture".
'Back to work'
Commenting on the government's record, Iain Duncan Smith declares that Britain now stands on "a sound and stable footing" after being "crippled by Labour's great recession". He says the country has got "back to work", bringing security to families across the UK.
The Incredibles
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has the platform - and pays tribute to his "incredible" team of ministers, advisers and departmental staff, and extends his congratulations to Lib Dem pensions minister Steve Webb.
Rowena Mason, Political correspondent at The Guardian
@rowenamason
tweets: John Redwood having what looks like quite a cordial conversation with Michael Fallon outside conf centre despite EU biz warning reports
A talk then IDS
Time for a panel discussion now, led by employment minister Esther McVey. Iain Duncan Smith - the man who has been driving the government's welfare reforms - will be addressing conference in about 10 minutes.
Daniel Hannan MEP, Daily Mail
writes: Only a Tory-Ukip deal can stop Labour winning power. Combined, the Conservative and Ukip vote comes to nearly half the national total. Yet, as things stand, Ed Miliband is likely to become Prime Minister with around 35 per cent support. Read more
Georgia Graham, Political Correspondent, The Telegraph
writes: White Dee: The Conservatives are out of touch, I could vote Ukip. The Benefit Streets star hits out at the Conservatives, "childish" Ed Miliband and says that Nigel Farage is clever not to talk about welfare policies.
Eric Pickles, Conservative MP
@EricPickles
tweets: Just announced that in last year 230,000 homes given planning permission in England #cpc14
High office
Thatcher
Eric Pickles says David Cameron is taking forward former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's "spirit of aspiration". He adds that he is proud of the Conservatives' record in government - but fears this could be "wiped out" by Labour if it wins the general election. "We will never forget the deficit," he says and concludes that together the Conservatives can build a Britain "that we can all be proud of".
Crate mates
Toy lizards loosely based on Boris Johnson are on sale at the conference.
On the ladder
Eric Pickles praises the government's Help to Buy and Right to Buy housing schemes - and announces that last year 230,000 homes received planning permission "in England alone". He pledges that the Conservatives will do more - and reiterates a commitment to help first-time home buyers, including with 100,000 new starter homes sold at 20% of the market rate. There will also be a rent to buy scheme to help young people to save the deposit to buy a new home.
Housing hailed
Eric Pickles says he is most proud of his department's achievements on housing, which he says have been the most difficult aspect of policy to deliver. He says the Conservatives were the first party to put home ownership "in the grasp" of people. Labour "just didn't think it mattered", he adds, noting that house-building fell to the lowest peace time level in the 1920s. He goes on to criticise Ed Miliband's plan for housing.
May's office buddy
Eric Pickles reveals his efficiency drive enabled the department to relocate to the Home Office's building, meaning he is now "hot-desking" with Theresa May to save taxpayers' £9m a year. "I'm sure she's very happy," he quips.
'People power'
Eric Pickles says his purpose in government has been to bring "real" power to the people, through policies such as council tax freezes, enabling councils to share services and management to cut costs, and reducing the size of government. He says his own department's workforce has been reduced by 60%.
'More money not the answer'
Eric Pickles says David Cameron is determined to deliver "fairness" to England, and all parts of the United Kingdom. It is not a surprise that Labour just doesn't get it, he adds, and accuses the previous government of trying to "palm off" the electorate with regional government. "Any solution that involves taxpayers funding more politicians is definitely not the answer."
It's Pickles
A warm reception for Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles. He says as an Englishman he is "proud" to be part of a United Kingdom, but stresses that more devolved powers for Scotland must mean greater devolution elsewhere in the UK. He says "platinum-card wielding Scottish MPs" should not be able to vote on England-only matters - the so-called West Lothian question. The time has come for English votes on English laws, he says.
Daily Sunday Politics
@daily_politics
tweets: Asked by @afneil for a guarantee that he would not be defecting to UKIP. @DanHannanMEP answers "yes" in #bbcdp clip
More applause
Ben Riley-Smith, The Telegraph
writes: Businesses that speak out for Britain's EU membership will be punished, vows John Redwood. Leading Tory Eurosceptic says companies who publicly back staying in EU will pay "very dear economic and financial price", with executives potentially losing their jobs.
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BBC News website reader: It's all very well blaming the poorest in society and freezing their benefits but what about the rich and the business leaders who spend all their energy avoiding their tax obligations? We need increased revenue, not just reduced spending!
Housing
Time for a short speech from councillor Gary Porter - chairman of the Conservative Councillors' Association - who focuses his remarks on housing. He welcomes the government's "Help to Buy" scheme, which is designed to help people trying to get on the housing ladder who can afford mortgage repayments but are struggling to raise a deposit.
'Ravages repaired'
Francis Maude says the Conservatives have repaired the "ravages of Labour years in office" but counsels that there is much more to do. He says the party must earn the right to continue to serve the British public - but insists it can secure victory next May, "and we need to, for the country".
Strikes
Francis Maude reiterates the Conservatives' pledge to outlaw strike action where less than half the eligible members have voted and based on outdated mandates - which is met with applause.
'Thank you'
On the need for further civil service reform, Mr Maude tells the hall that staff themselves are demanding change. He says the country's civil servants "are probably the best in the world, and we really don't thank them enough" - but it isn't the best civil service in the world yet, he adds. Mr Maude also dismisses claims that he is trying to "politicise" the civil service.
'Inspiration'
Francis Maude praises the National Citizen Service which he says brings together children from different backgrounds to run community projects. He says more than 100,000 children have taken part and describes it as an "inspirational rite of passage".
Message for Ed
Francis Maude says that by cutting the costs of government the Conservatives are able to put "real money" into frontline care. In a message to Labour leader Ed Miliband, he says that's how you protect the NHS, not through "empty slogans".
'Better place'
Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude has the stage. He begins by saying Britain is becoming "a better place" with "better services being delivered more efficiently". He says the government has improved public procurement, "slashed" government spending on consultancy and cut the size of the civil service, "with more to come". He concedes it isn't "headline-grabbing stuff" but insists it is making government more efficient and effective.
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E.Costen, Lowestoft: Osborne may not be saying what we want to hear but he is being straight us. Surely there's only one party to vote for next year.
Praise for ministers
The afternoon begins with an introductory speech from Tiz Baskerville, the vice-president of the National Conservative Convention. She praises Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith for working "tirelessly" to reform welfare, cap benefits and ensure that "work pays". Ms Baskerville also praises Francis Maude for his Whitehall efficiency agenda, and Eric Pickles for boosting housing supply and giving more power to local communities
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Richard Heath: The manner of Osborne's speech tells you all you need to know about what distinguishes the Tories from Labour. Professional, realistic and honest, compared to fanciful, unexplained, unrealistic promises.
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Reg Hodder, Liverpool: As much as it's hard for me to say the Conservatives have done a great job over the last five years, yes it's been hard but I can see light at the end of the tunnel. God help us if Labour get back in.
Tough decisions
Speaking to the BBC's World at One programme earlier, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin rejected suggestions that the welfare benefits freeze announced by the Conservatives today was unfair. He admitted that "very tough decisions" have to be taken to reduce the deficit, but insisted the welfare system must be "fair" to the taxpayers who pay for it.
Norman Smith, BBC
@BBCNormanS
tweets: £9b of the £25b of spending cuts outlined by Chancellor today still to be spelt out #cpc14
Conference agenda
Conference has now resumed for the afternoon session, which is dedicated to work and pensions, government reform and communities and local government. Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude will address delegates at 14.40 BST, followed a little later by Eric Pickles, the communities and local government secretary - due to speak at about 15.00 BST. The afternoon will end with a keynote speech from Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith.
'Long way to go'
John Cridland, director-general of the CBI employers' group, says: "The chancellor should be credited for sticking to his guns on deficit reduction but we shouldn't underestimate how far we have to go. Further deficit reduction must include welfare reform, as the chancellor said."
Post update
Norman Smith
BBC Assistant Political Editor
George Osborne's speech was "a real political curveball". Chancellors tend to use their last conference speech before a general election to "spray around the cash" and make attractive promises - but Mr Osborne's message was that "there's a lot more pain to come". The chancellor is pinning his hopes on "competence and candour": that voters will reward him for reducing the deficit and for levelling with people about the scale of challenges ahead.
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Chris: Osborne seems to forget we are worse off than 5 years ago.
Refuelling time
Conservative conference-goers are now enjoying their lunch and the range of fringe events on offer. Proceedings get going again in the hall at 14:30 BST.
Hancock on tax
Business minister Matt Hancock is tells the BBC's Daily Politics he rejects the assertion that the government is hitting the working-age poor hardest, and says it has helped people by cutting income taxes for the lowest paid.
'Well done'
David Cameron in a show of support for his chancellor.
Happy hall
George Osborne receives a standing ovation as he concludes his speech, which appeared to be very-well received by delegates.
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BBC News website reader: The Conservative government / Chancellor, George Osborne, may have a plan that works in theory but if the people won't back it, it will merely remain an idea!
'Choose us'
The Conservatives will enter the general election as "the party of progress", George Osborne tells conference, having led Britain to economic recovery when "all over Europe there has been crisis and uncertainty". He adds: "Now we seek a new mandate as the party of jobs, and security and a strong prime minister against the party offering higher taxes, more debt and Ed Miliband." The chancellor concludes that only the Conservatives offer a "confident future for Britain", and the message to the people should be to "choose David Cameron, choose the Conservatives, choose the future".
Lionel Barber, Editor of the Financial Times
@lionelbarber
tweets: Osborne worries about pre-eminent London in UK economy "not healthy" - #MrRegion #north/south divide
Laura Kuenssberg, BBC
@bbclaurak
tweets: Osborne biggest cheer line in audience so far - scrapping pension tax
Pensions promise
On to the pensions announcement. Mr Osborne reiterates that he will abolish the 55% tax rate on inherited pensions funds - which meets with much applause. "Freedom for people's pensions," he declares.
Mission statement
The chancellor keeps stressing that the choice ahead is between the past and the future. He goes on to talk about the disparities between different parts of the UK, which he says have grown up over decades. But he says it is a "driving mission" to reduce the gap between north and south, and emphasises that it will be a central issue for a future Conservative government.
Tax pledge
George Osborne also pledges to come down hard on businesses that try to avoid paying the full taxes they owe.
'Party of fairness'
George Osborne aims fire at Labour again, which he says is "anti-business". He praises the current government's record on private sector job creation, low business taxes, capping pay day loans, increasing the national minimum wage - and says the Conservatives are the party of "fairness" and "on the side of enterprise"
Get involved
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@StephenParry80 tweets: Wish MPs would stop referring to pensions as welfare. Pensioners HAVE PAID IN. @George_Osborne
'Better life'
George Osborne tells the hall that youth unemployment has fallen "sharply" but says many are still reliant on a life on benefits. He pledges to end youth unemployment "altogether", by reducing the amount of benefits households can receive each year and abolishing job seekers' allowance to fund three million new apprenticeships. These are "three million more chances for a better life", he adds.
Nick Robinson, Political Editor, BBC News
@bbcnickrobinson
tweets: Tories pledge 2 year post-election freeze of working age benefits. Affects JSA, IS, Tax credits, Child Ben, H Ben not pensions or disabled
'Fairer system'
"We will provide a welfare system that is fair to those who need it and fair to those who pay for it too," George Osborne tells conference, adding that freezing working-age benefits will save £3bn.
Whitehall
George Osborne says Whitehall spending cuts will continue at the same rate for at least the next two years, saving at least £13bn.
BreakingBreaking News
Working-age benefits would be frozen for two years under a Conservative government, George Osborne announces.
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@andyrob78uk tweets: Brilliantly written and delivered speech by @George_Osborne. [Can't believe the hoi polloi are about to vote labour back in power]
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Tweet: @BBCPolitics
@LucyFerman tweets: Watching #Osborne speech whilst waiting for appt in packed #NHS waiting room. Somehow don't think much of his promised tonic will help here
Devolution
George Osborne says the Conservatives will honour pledges to hand more powers to Scotland - but says there must also be further devolution to the rest of the UK as well.
'Overspending'
Labour is not being straight with the people over what is required to balance the nation's books, George Osborne says, whereas the Conservatives have been able "to take the people with us" by levelling with them about the scale of the challenge. The latest Treasury estimate is that a further £25bn of permanent spending cuts or taxes are needed to eliminate the deficit - but tax cuts are not the answer, he argues, insisting that country has not taxed too little but spent too much.
Surplus requirement
George Osborne is receiving lots of applause from party members. He says economic security is at the core of the Conservatives' offering. He says the party would ring-fence banks' high street operations from "riskier" investment arms. Now some comment on the deficit, which although halved is "still too high". Mr Osborne pledges the Conservatives will continue to eliminate it and run "surpluses" in future years.
Impressing the boss?
David Cameron is among the audience watching the chancellor's speech.
George Eaton, Political Editor, New Statesman
@georgeeaton
tweets: Osborne has some chutzpah lecturing others on the importance of economic growth after 2010-12 stagnation.
Backing the future
Some praise from George Osborne for his leader, David Cameron, who he says offers "real leadership". The chancellor goes on to talk about the choices the country faces - "the past or the future". The Conservatives choose the latter, he adds.
'Real NHS party'
George Osborne says Labour's policies are "built on sand" - arguing that the NHS cannot be properly funded unless the economy is working properly. It's only because the government took difficult spending decisions that it was able to ring-fence the NHS budget in this parliament, he says, and insists the Conservatives are the "real party of the NHS".
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@DJDonegal tweets: Cheap shot at Ed Miliband. Verrrrry cheap. #Osborne #CPC14
On the attack
Mr Osborne mocks Labour leader Ed Miliband's speech, which he says "was so forgettable, he forgot it himself" - prompting laughter. Forgetting to mention the deficit was not "some hapless mistake" but "disqualification for the high office he seeks", he asserts.
Challenges
Global events have an impact on both national and economic security, the chancellor tells the hall. He says new technologies are "fundamentally shaking up" the traditional way of doing things, which is "exciting" but also "unsettling". It brings intense competition that spells "rapid decline" for any sector or country that "fails to keep up". But the next Conservative government will provide these answers, Mr Osborne promises.
'More to do'
George Osborne says he is "humbled" by how much more there is to do - to reduce the debt and support businesses - and resolves to "finish the job we have started". He says Britain cannot "ease up" and cites other European countries which risk returning for crisis for taking their foot off the pedal. He also cites the international situation, including Russia, the Ebola outbreak and a generational struggle against "barbaric" Islamic State militants.
Jim Pickard, Chief Political Correspondent for the Financial Times
@PickardJE
tweets: What is the surprise Osborne welfare announcement? Taking away child benefit from big families? Will find our soon.
'Plan working'
Mr Osborne says the Conservatives "held our nerve" despite criticisms of their economic plan - and points out that Britain is now the "fastest-growing most job-creating, most deficit-reducing country of any major advanced economy in the word". He adds: "Our long-term economic plan is working."
Golden legacy
George Osborne cites the Golden Boys statue in Birmingham, near the conference hall, which he says is an image that captures the "golden age of our country... when we faced the future with confidence". I want us to be that Britain, he tells the hall, and says it can be the most prosperous, dynamic and creative country in the world.
Chancellor speaks
Osborne begins
Enter, stage left, Chancellor George Osborne, who receives a standing ovation from the hall.
'Leave it alone'
Lord Jones appeals to politicians of all persuasions not to "mess with our economy" which is "too precious to be gambled with on the alter of experiment or some tribal ideology".
'Freeing the poor'
Lord Jones quotes William Gladstone's words : "You don't set the poor free by giving the money; you set the poor free by giving them an education." He criticises national insurance contributions (NICs) as his "pet hate", and says the chancellor is "quite right" to describe it as a "jobs tax". He hopes all parties will commit in their manifestos to completing abolishing NICs, and linking their abolition to "training more and young people".
Prophet of profit
Lord Jones says social inclusion and wealth creation must go together, and business "is the route to that". But, he stresses, all politicians must send a message that "there is nothing wrong with making and keeping a profit" - which invites applause around the hall.
Robert Peston, Economics Editor for the BBC
@Peston
tweets: So how early in @George_Osborne speech will he poke fun at @Ed_Miliband for not mentioning the deficit?
'Go on, Digby'
Party chairman Grant Shapps and Baroness Brady, football boss and Apprentice TV show star, enjoying Lord Jones's speech.
Birmingham's own
Lord Jones praises his home city as he whips up the crowd ahead of George Osborne's speech.
'Backing business'
Lord Jones, who is a crossbench peer and was never a Labour member, says : "Business is my constituency."
Digby's here
Former Labour minister Lord Jones of Birmingham - better known as Digby Jones - is addressing the conference.
Almost time
Delegates rise to their feet and applause as their leader, David Cameron, enters the hall and takes his seat to hear George Osborne's speech.
Nick Robinson, BBC
@bbcnickrobinson
tweets: Standby for @George_Osborne to announce a significant cut in welfare spending. Tories hope they - not @UKIP - will get headlines today
Post update
It's almost time for George Osborne's speech. There's a brief interlude in the hall as delegates await the chancellor's arrival.
Tuck tycoon's talk
The second standing ovation of the day - for guest speaker 19-year-old Bejay Mulenga. He tells conference how he went from near-expulsion from school to founder and director of Supa Tuck; a youth-run, school-based enterprise scheme where young people in education run their own tuck shop, which he says was worth £200,000 by the time he was 18. But that wasn't the best bit, Mr Mulenga tells the hall - it was the opportunity to teach business skills to 5,000 young people. He praises government initiatives, such as start-up loans and financial and mentoring support, for helping him to achieve his success.
Tax
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid tells the BBC's Daily Politics the government is looking to do more to help working people and that he's "very proud" that many people have been taken out of income tax.
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Jim Holden in Birmingham: I am 68 and I am wondering what the latest proposal on the pensions means to me, I can only see this causing further divide between those that have and those that have not.
On their feet
Patrick McLoughlin wraps up his speech by pledging that a Conservative government would work with business to rebuild Britain and reward hard work "for a better qualify of life". He receives the first standing ovation of the day.
Andrew Sinclair, BBC
@andrewpolitics
tweets: Transport Sec praises @iainastewart for his campaign on east/west rail and @ben4ipswich & @ChloeSmithMP for their greater anglia campaign
Raising the bar
Patrick McLoughlin criticises union leaders for calling strikes with "low turnouts and old mandates" as "unfair and unjustifiable" - and says there should be a "proper threshold" before a strike is possible: "That's standing up for hard-working people," he argues.
'Labour hasn't learned'
Building Britain means being ambitious for every part of the country, Patrick McLoughlin says, and tells conference it is "our mission" to open horizons, create opportunities and change lives. Another attack on Labour - he says the party didn't invest and the country "plummeted" from 7th to 33rd in the global infrastructure rankings. The party "hasn't learned", he claims.
Nice chat for Pat
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin notes that Japanese electronics firm Hitachi decided this year to move its global headquarters to Britain - which he reveals was" one of the best phone calls I have received in this job".
Lib Dem seats 'winnable'
Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson tells the BBC's Daily Politics her party is hopeful of taking seats from the Liberal democrats at the next general election.
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Adam Deacon, Bridgend, South Wales: Excellent news for those who are saving for retirement and those already in retirement using income drawdown. It has always been a big concern of our clients that when they pass away their family will pay a 55% tax on their hard earned savings.
Adam Jogee, Labour Member for Hornsey on Haringey Council
@AJogee
tweets: Truss says: 'when it comes to British food, we have never had it so good'. Spare a thought for those forced to use food banks, Liz #CPC14
McLoughlin's round-up
Patrick McLoughlin says the transport legacy inherited from Labour was "not good enough for the future" - and asserts that infrastructure is the key to growth. He cites what he sees as the government's achievements on transport, including better roads and buses, rail fare freezes, increased rolling stock, Crossrail and a doubling of spending on cycling. The Conservatives are also the first to charge foreign lorries to use our roads, he says.
Transported?
Baroness Brady, star of BBC One's The Apprentice, watches as Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin speaks.
Numbers game
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin opens his remarks with an attack on Labour leader Ed Miliband, saying it is a "cheek" for him to ask the country for 10 years to, in Mr Miliband's words, "turn Britain around". Mr McLoughlin quips that "10 minutes would be 11 too long".
Story 'rejected'
Tom Newton Dunn, the Sun's political editor, tells the BBC's Daily Politics his newspaper and the Mail on Sunday were offered the story that led to Conservative minister Brooks Newmark's resignation. Both papers turned it down, he says.
'Lead the world'
Concluding her remarks, Elizabeth Truss says that under a Conservative government Britain "will lead the world" in food, farming and the environment. She also expresses her determination to restore habitats, clean rivers and improve the atmosphere for future generations.
'Eat British cheese'
Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss tells conference that the food industry is one of the "fastest-growing" areas for entrepreneurs, and says her department is helping it by "slashing" red tape, opening up public procurement and almost 600 new markets overseas. Exports have increased by more than £1bn over the past four years, Ms Truss goes on to say, noting that the UK is producing more varieties of cheese than the French and "selling tea to China". But she wants the country to be eating more British food, pointing out that we import more than two thirds of our apples, and cheese. "That is a disgrace," Ms Truss remarks, to applause.
Hannan on Reckless and Carswell
Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan, a friend of both Douglas Carswell and Mark Reckless, says they have made a "mistake" in defecting to UKIP but he will not disown them. He adds that he will not change party.
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David, Leyland: White Dee says not everyone wants to work in an office or build a wall. Not everyone can have a celebrity lifestyle. Not everyone can have a skilled job without putting the effort in. No-one should receive benefits that a working person would have to earn £30k per year to achieve - that is what giving £23k means. Are all our £30k earners in poverty then?
Flood defences
Elizabeth Truss says the government is spending £3.2bn on flood defences - "half a billion more" than under Labour - which is "better-protecting" 165,000 homes and more than 580,000 acres of farmland. She continues with an attack on Labour's record in office and claims the party "do not care about the countryside".
James Forsyth, The Spectator
@JGForsyth
tweets: Truss doing her I chose the Conservative party rather than being born into it shtick. Going down well with the activists in the hall
Truss's conversion
Delegates are now listening to a speech from Environment Secretary Liz Truss. She reveals her delight and surprise at being appointed to the post in David Cameron's last cabinet reshuffle. Going through her family background, she says she has a lot in common with Ed Miliband - having grown up in a left-wing household and taken part in marches and peace camps - which prompts some murmurs and mutterings in the hall. But, she says she "rebelled" and became a Conservative - cue cheers.
What makes Britain great?
Sajid Javid says the UK's culture, heritage and traditions are not just vital to the economy. They are also what "make Britain great". "Don't let anyone tell you that Conservatives don't care about culture," he tells conference. Turning to the BBC, he questions whether it is right that people can be sent to prison for failing to pay the BBC licence fee - and reiterates Conservative plans to decriminalise non-payment, which receives some applause.
Joey Jones, Deputy Political Editor, Sky News
@joeyjonessky
tweets: We're getting a lot of backstory from speakers this morning. Interesting to see if @George_Osborne follows that trend.
Labour toxic, says Javid
Sajid Javid continues attacking Labour, saying the party has a "toxic" economic legacy. He says the Conservatives have got Britain "back on track". But he says the country still has more to do, particularly in areas such as delivering super-fast broadband. The minister goes on to praise the UK's creative industries - which he says are worth more than £70bn a year to the economy.
Javid berates Labour
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid says the Conservatives, rather than Labour, are the party which allows immigrants to prosper.
Tom Newton Dunn, Political Editor of The Sun
@tnewtondunn
tweets: Benefits Street's White Dee tells @Policy_Exchange she may abandon Labour to vote UKIP (mixed publicity for both).
Sajid Javid
An early round of applause for Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Sajid Javid, who now has the stage. He talks about his parents, who were immigrants, who taught him to "work hard and take responsibility for myself and my actions" to appreciate the "importance of family" and "to love my country". He says he didn't know it then, but these are "unshakeable Conservative values".
David Cameron
@David_Cameron
tweets: Pensioners will be able to leave more of their hard-earned money to their family. Just one of our policies to secure a better future #CPC14
Isabel Hardman, Assistant editor, The Spectator
@IsabelHardman
tweets: No standing ovation for Hancock #cpc14
Claire Perry, Conservative MP
@claire4devizes
tweets: Really good pro business speech from Matt Hancock #cpc14
More Hancock
Taking conference through the government's record, Matt Hancock says inequality and youth unemployment are falling, and apprenticeships have doubled. All of this has been done "within the shackles" of coalition, he adds. The minister also says the government has reduced the amount of red tape because "we back business".
George Osborne
@George_Osborne
tweets: Just been to thriving Jaguar Land Rover plant in Solihull. The future of the economy is at the core of the choice facing Britain
'On your side'
Now for a speech from Matt Hancock, a minister in both the business and energy departments. Addressing delegates, Mr Hancock says he is "passionate" about standing up for enterprise. In a message to the country's entrepreneurs, he adds: "We are on your side". Ed Miliband's Labour Party, however, is "a truly anti-business party" that threatens the UK recovery and prosperity, he says.
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Yvonne Glendenning: George Osborne has been very clever with pension plan reforms which have been very well thought out. The Conservative party must win the next general election as it would be a total disaster if Labour won.
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Text: 61124
Walter, Belfast: Under a Conservative government my tax has risen by £8 per month. They are even taxing my state pension and I am an 82 yr old pensioner.
Kick-off
The hall is looking pretty full as day two of the Conservative Party conference gets under way, beginning with a short speech from National Conservative Convention chairman Emma Pidding. She tells conference the country "cannot afford" another Labour government, and says the Conservatives must stick by their long-term economic plan "to secure a brighter and better future for Britain, and future generations".
Jennifer Williams, Manchester Evening News
@JenWilliamsMEN
tweets: Things You See At Tory Conference That You Don't See At Labour #1: Harvey Nichols wine tasting masterclass. See photo
'Enormous risk'
Former Tory MP Mark Reckless, who announced his defection to UKIP on the eve of Conservative Party conference, has conceded he may lose the ensuing by-election and become "a footnote in history". In an interview with BBC Radio Kent, the ex-Rochester and Strood MP says he thinks he has a "fighting chance" but admits he is "running an enormous personal risk". He also defends his decision to keep his planned move under wraps, following an onslaught of criticism from his former colleagues.
Dee 4 George?
Brian Wheeler, political reporter
White Dee - or Deirdre Kelly to use her proper name - is singing from George Osborne's hymn sheet here. She is urging the government to "concentrate more on the kids" to "stop them going into the system and getting stuck there for years and years". More apprenticeships are the answer, she tells the Policy Exchange fringe meeting. Oh, hang on. She says the situation for jobseekers has got "much worse" under this government. There is too much sanctioning and not enough appropriate training.
Emily Ashton, The Sun
@elashton
tweets: White Dee hits out at jobs offered to benefit claimants: 'Not everyone wants to work in an office or build a wall.' See photo
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Text: 61124
BBC News website reader: A benefit for after you're dead. Outstanding
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Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Anthony Barry, Darwen, Lancashire: This is great news, an election ploy indeed but at least it will keep my financial advisor happy when I say to him I want to draw down another £50,000 into my pot to spend as and when I like without the fear or me dying and then the government takes 55% tax of what is left.
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Text: 61124
Peter Carder: The pension tax cut announced today is a typical Tory policy giving more to their rich Tory friends. Most working class people can barely afford a pension today after the Tory cuts.
She's here!
Brian Wheeler, political reporter
She's here. White Dee, real name Deirdre Kelly, is speaking at a fringe meeting.
Celeb stardust
Brian Wheeler, political reporter
Standing room only at a morning fringe meeting. Is the PM making an unscheduled appearance? Obama? Boris? Nope, the crowds and cameras are here for White Dee from Channel 4's Benefits Street.
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Steve Monckton in Llantrisant, Mid Glamorgan: Further positive news by George Osborne to promote people saving adequately for their retirement. So long as all forms of tax relief are kept intact most middle-aged clients should look to pensions savings as their first port of call, followed by NISA's. I can see significantly more people paying up to their Annual Allowance each year than previously.
Benefit cuts
In other news, David Cameron has told the BBC that a future Conservative government would cap benefits further to fund three million apprenticeships. The party would cut the maximum benefits a household can claim a year from £26,000 to £23,000 to pay for the move - which is designed to "abolish" youth unemployment. Unemployed 18 to 21-year olds would be given six months to find work or training.
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BBC News website reader: Tories giving to their own with the pension tax cut. Not many people who work for a living on the minimum wage have that kind of money.
James Tapsfield, Press Association
@JamesTapsfield
tweets: Osborne's 'caesar' cut looking a bit bathing cap today. In danger of morphing into David Miliband
Stolen thunder?
Brian Wheeler, politics reporter
A withering put down for the UKIP defectors from veteran Maastricht rebel Bernard Jenkin at a fringe meeting last night. What distinguishes "reckless Reckless" and "kamikaze Carswell" from the original gang of Tory Eurosceptic rebels, he said, is their youthful impetuousness. "These are people who I think have arrived only quite recently into this debate. They are impatient with those of who have been making these arguments much longer than them. They think they know much better than us and they've kicked the table over and decided to go and join UKIP, with only one effect that they would be helping Ed Miliband into Number 10."
'Utterly nuts'
Boris Johnson has made his views known on Tory defections to rivals UKIP, saying anyone thinking about leaving to join the party "must be utterly nuts". It comes after two Conservative MPs - Douglas Carswell and, this weekend, Mark Reckless - left to join Nigel Farage's party. Mr Johnson, the Conservative London mayor and 2015 parliamentary candidate, suggested would-be switchers would help Ed Miliband's Labour Party into government. He also dismissed press reports of more defections in the offing as "fanciful", in a piece for the Daily Telegraph.
Patrick Wintour, Political editor of the Guardian
@patrickwintour
tweets: From those who heard Osborne practising his speech last night. It is all about the choice.
Almost there
Here's another chance to glimpse the chancellor as he makes his way through the conference centre.
Wes Streeting, Labour councillor
@wesstreeting
tweets: This is not a Chancellor governing in the national interest. The UKIP tail is wagging a subservient, supine Tory dog. @BBCr4today
George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer
@George_Osborne
tweets: We should abolish long term youth unemployment. We'll spend less on benefits & more on helping young people get jobs
Time for a cuppa
George Osborne has done the rounds of TV and radio interviews ahead of his speech later.
Conference agenda
This morning's theme at conference is the economy. There will be speeches from Business, Innovation and Skills Minister Matt Hancock (10.35 BST) - who also has a portfolio in the energy department; Culture Media and Sport Secretary Sajid Javid (10.45 BST); Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Liz Truss (11.15 BST) and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin (11.30 BST).
Newspaper sting
Brooks Newmark resigned as minister for civil society after he allegedly sent explicit pictures of himself to an undercover Sunday Mirror journalist. A fellow Conservative MP, Mark Pritchard, is to make a formal complaint to the independent press regulator against the paper, saying "questionable techniques" were involved in its report. The Sunday Mirror said that the story was in the public interest.
Shifting the focus
The Conservatives are keen to shift the focus on to policies today, after the weekend's headlines were dominated by the defection of an MP to UKIP, and a ministerial resignation over a newspaper allegation.
Good morning
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Monday at the Conservative Party conference. It's going to be a busy day. The highlight of today's agenda is a speech from Chancellor George Osborne, at about 11.50 BST. He is to set out plans to scrap the 55% tax rate on inherited pension funds; the changes will come in to effect from next April.