Smash hit

"Secondly, there was a certain modesty talking about himself and his beliefs, and the problems that he has had in working with others, including with Tony Blair, in government.

"But most importantly I heard in the speech a coming to terms with the need to change to a more collaborative style (of working with others). There has to be a genuine inclusiveness in our party if the tribes are going to be welded together."

On Charles Clarke's accusation that Gordon is a control freak

"It wasn't the whole picture with Gordon. Everyone in politics has different circumstances, and we have strengths and we have weaknesses. The question is how he is going to be in the future, not how he has been in the past.

"The question is how to bring the party together under a New Labour platform, that I think that Gordon believes in."

On whether Gordon can beat David Cameron

"Yes, I do think he would win (against Cameron). I think he has a very solid body of beliefs. There nothing surface or superficial about Gordon. And I think the nation wants that in a leader.

"Second, he is articulate, he knows how to communicate ideas, and set a direction for the country that the nation can follow.

"He is a private man. He is also not a vain man. When he says he came into politics to serve, he really means it.

"He may have all sorts of other flaws and shortcomings, but I think the inner strength of a politician comes through. Once the public has the chance to judge him over time, not as a successful Chancellor but as a leader of the country, I think they would come to a different view (than facile criticisms being expressed by media commentators at present).

"David Cameron knows that the direction New Labour has taken the country in has been popular, it is where the country wants to be. It is a legacy he will continue to build on."

On whether he personally backs Gordon for leader

"I want the next leader to be as successful as the last, and were it to be Gordon I think he would be."

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