Harriet Harman has ended Labour's conference by telling activists: "The fightback has begun".

She told delegates: "People said this conference would be a scene of division and disunity but you have proved them wrong. Your warmth and loyalty has shown the very best of team Labour."

Ms Harman said Gordon Brown's speech on Tuesday had shown "he is the right person to lead the party and the right person to lead the country".

She added: "His unrivalled experience as the most successful Chancellor of recent times was built on the foundation of his values. His strength and his resilience will steer us through these difficult times."

Ms Harman said party activists had made it clear to Labour MPs they were expected to be loyal to their leader.

Looking ahead to a general election, and next year's local council and European polls, she said: "We are confident in our values. We are proud of our record, ambitious for the future. Labour's fightback has begun."

She attacked Tory leader David Cameron saying: "There is something not quite right about him.

"Now the women here will know what I mean. He's the kind of man your mother used to warn you about.

"He'll promise you the world, promise to make all your dreams come true. But if he gets his wicked way with you - in the ballot box - you'd never hear from him again."

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.