IT WAS standing only at the Centre for Labour and Social Studies (Class) fringe meeting as delegates gathered to hear shadow minister for civil society Lisa Nandy MP denounce the anti-working class policies of the Tory government, writes Calvin Tucker.

“We live in one of the most unequal societies in the world and I want a Labour government to put people before profit,” she said.

Ms Nandy paid a warm tribute to the late Tony Benn and his courage in speaking the truth to power.

More controversially, the shadow minister defended Ed Balls following his keynote speech to conference yesterday.

“No-one wants to stand up and announce a freeze on child benefit, but we can’t get everything we want immediately,” she said to a less enthusiastic reception.

Islington councillor James Murray said: “We need to challenge the Tories’ post-Scottish referendum narrative about English votes on English issues by setting an agenda for active local government.”

“Local government is ahead of the curve, doing things that central government won’t,” he added.

Stephanie Peacock underlined the importance of the Labour Party making a distinctive offer that is relevant to ordinary people on the doorstep.

“If Westminster is going to reflect the needs of ordinary people, we need MPs who come from ordinary backgrounds.”