Trains and Trannies...

On the train back from Manchester after Labour Conference some delegates reflected...

"It all seemed a bit subdued. There weren't as many fringe meetings, not as much going on," one said.

"Mmm," the other replied, "nothing really out of the ordinary, oh, apart from the miming transvestites of course. That was a bit odd."

And indeed it was. Visitors at one fringe after party were welcomed by transvestites in white boiler suits cleaning a stage.

An hour in they shed the suits and burst into song, well, into mime. They mouthed the words to camp pop and danced while the crowd looked on confused by why someone thought it would be appropriate entertainment. At least they made a lasting impression.

Joseph Watts
Parliamentary Correspondent