This is the full text of the speech by Ruth Kelly to the 2008 Labour Party Conference

Conference, it is a pleasure to close this debate on sustainable communities.

I'd like to start by thanking all of you who've been involved in our discussions over the past year. Labour party members, trade unionists, councillors all working together on the policies we need to deliver a historic fourth Labour term.

In particular I'd like to thank Rosie, Tom and Jim for being such great ministers and such great colleagues over the past year.

Conference, I hope you will forgive me, for departing from my text for a moment.

As you may have heard on the news this morning this will be my last time addressing you as a member of the Cabinet.

I told Gordon before the summer of my decision to leave the Government for family reasons at the next reshuffle.

This was not a decision I took lightly. I was still in my 20s as Labour was given the honour of le ading the country.

And I have been particularly proud as a minister at the Treasury to be able through our proposals on the Child Trust Fund. At Education, opening up school choice for parents, At Communities recasting our policies on violent extremism and devolving more power to local government.

In transport, I was delighted it was Labour that secured the deal on Crossrail.

It's also been a tremendous privilege to have worked with both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown - two towering figures in the Labour Party, Government and on the world stage.

But Conference, as well as a front line politician, I am also proud to be a mother and wife. To be able to hold these jobs, I have relied on the support of my husband and family.

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