The Labour Party conference circus has finally left town. But traders and businesses will be delighted at the boost the 10,000 delegates brought.

With the Lib Dems last year and the Greens this year, Brighton really is top of the list of conference towns for political parties.

Everyone, it seems, except the Conservatives.

Rumour has it that one of the reasons the Tories turn their back on our city is because of the welcome they received from former mayor and Labour councillor Pat Hawkes when she opened the 1988 conference.

Apparently delegates didn’t take too kindly at being reminded of the unemployment in the town.

Speaking to Ms Hawkes recently she says she still stands by her comments but would not be against the Tories coming to town.

However, she said she wasn’t too keen on UKIP turning up.