The NHS, 60 years old and still going strong

I spent most of yesterday chairing the Edinburgh labour conference to celebrate the NHS's 60th birthday. A gathering of over 50 party activists heard speakers from the Unions, the voluntary sector, patients advocates and finally Shadow heath secretary Margaret Curran MSP. Each of the speakers reminded us that health isn't just about hospitals and that the NHS speaks of more than the logistics of healthcare, it epitomises about Labours values.

This is the third city conference that I and colleagues from the Group and the City party have organised since May. If I am to achieve anything as leader it must be to give the many activists we have a real sense of participation in the party and in the way policies are developed. It also allows us the time to celebrate the many great things Labour has done for this city and the country. There's nothing like a party to help rebuild a Party.

Pictured are Margaret Curran MSP cutting the birthday cake and me in full flight introducing her earlier in the day.