Labour Party bosses could moor a huge cruise liner in the sea off Brighton to house delegates at this year's conference.

Up to 25,000 delegates are expected to flood into the city for the annual event but there are fears there might not be enough room.

Bosses at Brighton and Hove City Council have been approached by an entrepreneur to see if a floating hotel could be based off the coast.

The idea is the brainchild of Andrew Chevis, a member of the Labour Party.

The council confirmed Mr Chevis had put forward two plans, including one for a liner with 275 cabins that could be moored at Brighton Marina.

There was also talk of a bigger vessel with 538 cabins, which may be based at Shoreham Harbour.

Any boat would be decorated with lights and party banners and the search is now on to find the right craft and venue.

The city council is liaising with Mr Chevis on his plans for the conference in the coming weeks.

A spokesman said: "We have reservations about it being that distance from the beach. It would be extremely difficult in bad weather and could be impractical.

"If people started to feel ill they would want us to get them off as well.

"We are now seeking clarification from Mr Chevis to see what options we have."

Mr Chevis, who is based in London, said: "There is an accommodation shortage at the conference and this was looked at as a possible solution to ease it.

"This is an advanced idea and it is a matter of getting the right vessel.

"We need to find one that can accommodate the right amount of people and one that has the necessary security aspects.

"It would be a floating hotel, these are based at major events and I know there was one moored at Sydney Harbour during the Olympics."

Hove Labour MP Ivor Caplin said: "It is obvious to everyone that the conference is growing in size.

"We are the only place capable of holding it effectively.

"We need to look at ways of getting people to stay in the city, which is where they want to be.

"Last year there was some talk of a boat at the marina."

Mr Chevis said: "The Marina is one option for the boat. Other than that, we need to look just outside Brighton, maybe in a deep-water berth at Shoreham Harbour.

"The marina is the obvious place. I have come up with this idea because I am a member of the party and I want to help."

Mr Chevis said nothing had been confirmed yet but he would liaise with the council when more details could be revealed.

The council said between 20,000 and 25,000 people would be at the conference and some would be staying as far away as Gatwick and Eastbourne because of the lack of hotel space.

A Labour Party spokesman said: "We are looking forward to coming to Brighton, which has excellent facilities.

"We would consider looking at anything that could ease the pressure if hotel rooms were fully booked.

"We do not want to get into a position where people are prevented from going to Brighton. We would urge people to book now."

John Davey, estate director at Brighton Marina, said: "We are always open to suggestions.

"We have spoken to Mr Chevis although we have not spoken to him recently."

However, he said much would depend on the weather during the conference week.

He said: "It would be unlikely for there to be a calm week weather-wise.

"I think it would be unpleasant to get people from the shore to the boat."

Brighton has been the favoured venue for the conference since delegates complained Blackpool lacked the necessary facilities.

April 18 2001