David Cameron was forced into counter-attacking mode this week as he wrapped up his party conference with a speech in Birmingham. Trailing Labour in the polls, less popular than his rival Boris Johnson and being urged by his party to move right, the prime minister's speech was intended to silence his critics and spell out his agenda for the remainder of the parliament.
Elsewhere at the conference, more tabloid-friendly announcements were made on law and order, removing workers' rights and hammering benefits claimants.
Michael White hears from conference delegates (including journalists from the right-wing press) on what they made of it all.
Joining Tom Clark in the studio to discuss the week's events are Guardian columnist Martin Kettle, political commentator Gaby Hinsliff and Boris Johnson biographer Andrew Gimson.
Also this week: David Cameron is to meet Alex Salmond to discuss the terms of a Scottish independence referendum. Salmond is understood to be receptive to offering one single simple question of "in" or "out" of the union, but only on the condition that 16- and 17-year-olds are allowed to vote.
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