Amid talk of a rebellion, the Labour Party Conference began in Manchester on Saturday 20 September. The last couple of weeks have seen several junior members of Gordon Brown’s Government resign and join with other backbench MPs in calling for a leadership election. So far no senior figure has joined the rebellion and Gordon Brown has been able to shrug off the challenge and declare that it is business as usual. However, in light of deteriorating poll ratings for the party, questions are likely to continue and rumours of dissension have provided the backdrop for their annual gathering in Manchester.

Each September the political parties meet to rally their troops and set out their stall for the coming parliamentary year. This year, Gordon Brown is seeking to re-establish his authority and embolden his supporters that their cause is not yet lost. Other senior figures may well be road testing policies and sound bites that they could use in any coming leadership race. Speeches and interviews will be subject to forensic analysis for any clues as to who is still behind the Prime Minister and who is preparing to jump ship.

The Christian Socialist Movement has organised a number of events at the conference which are open to the public. Please see the sidebar for links.

Labour Party stories

BBC: Ruth Kelly to step down from cabinet

BBC: No time for novices, says Brown

Telegraph comment: They smiled and clapped, yet they're doomed if he stays

Times: Brown issues his prescription for Labour recovery

Times comment: How? When? Who?

Guardian: Serious and contrite, Brown pledges fairer Britain for a new age

Guardian comment: This was not the speech of a leader about to be unseated

Independent: Brown pledges to defeat tough times and critics

Independent comment: How Brown blew his big chance

Times comment: Global storm gives Brown shelter - for now

BBC: Miliband moves to end leader talk

BBC: Darling pledges action on economy

Conference links

Labour Party conference

BBC Guide to conferences

Christian Socialist Movement

Network - Manchester Local Evangelical Fellowship