Labour leader Ed Miliband conjured up his deceased Marxist dad Ralph yet again as he sought to place a rosy glow around his attack on the union link.

“My dad only spoke once at a Labour conference in 1955,” said Mr Miliband.

He had said in that speech nearly 60 years ago that being part of the Labour Party was being part of “a great adventure.”

There was laughter and applause as the Labour leader added: “He also said some stuff about nationalising the commanding heights. But I thought I might not mention that.”

Mr Miliband then went on to suggest that his rule changes were also part of the great adventure and a quest for the people of Britain.

He threw in a mention of Labour pioneer Keir Hardie, and claimed that the changes were continuing the journey started 21 years ago by former Labour leader John Smith, who introduced one member, one vote.

“Today I ask you to support the biggest changes to our party since 1918,” said Mr Miliband.

He added: “You are voting for the biggest transfer of power to our members and supporters in the history of the Labour Party.”

Mr Miliband denied that he wanted to break the link with working people.

“I am proud of our link with working people and with trade unions. I want the voices of working people to be heard louder in our party than ever before.”