The Party Conference season ends this week with the Conservatives in Bournemouth. Each party has had the opportunity to set out its stall for the future.Labour's conference was overshadowed by attempts to paper over the chasm engulfing its leadership. As the Prime Minister commenced his farewell countdown, his allies spent the week seeking a successor to beat Gordon Brown. Not that anyone would say so publicly.

It was policy light and personality challenged, with the best conference performers, the Prime Minister and his Deputy both taking their leave.

It would be amusing were it not so serious, since it leaves the Government clearly divided and paralysed.

The previous week the LibDems sought to present fresh ideas after their shambolic leadership election. Ming Campbell's claim that policies provide substance is all very well, until these policies are unpicked by opponents. It is pretty early to decide policy specifics for the next election.

Meanwhile David Cameron has already started to herald a new direction for Britain. In Bournemouth the spirit of unity and determination is clear. Over 7,000 people are here, the largest I have attended. Conservatives are more green, more family-friendly and more committed to empowering local communities. There are new ideas about improving the NHS and schools, tackling crime and improving people's quality of life.

If Conferences are a good guide to the mood of party activists, Labour have been on a nostalgic trip down memory lane. But Conservatives are looking forward, taking time for serious thinking to get things right for a new Government.