It's party time...

Despite years of bashing the Labour Government Nottingham South MP Alan Simpson was big enough to brush it all aside with one of Brown's most loyal ministers.

He shared a hearty embrace with the "photogenic" Housing Minister Caroline Flint when the pair wished each other happy birthday.

Both celebrated their special day on Saturday, the first day of the Labour Conference.

Mr Simpson, who is stepping down at the next election, opted to skip the first day in favour of spending his 60th having a picnic with his wife and young daughter.

Ms Flint, defender of an embattled Government, had to settle for a different kind of party, meeting Labour delegates on how to make housing affordable.


Joseph Watts
Parliamentary Corespondent