He ruled out bringing in a written constitution but hinted that he wanted "a covenant" with the British people and for government to work more closely with the voluntary sector.
Is being "clever" enough to keep the resurgent Tories at bay? In a debate about ideas, Brown would beat Cameron hands down. But the Tory leader wants to fight the next election on the basis of his personality versus Brown's. And it's a battleground Brown is less comfortable with. Saturday was a start; expect many more such "conversations" in coming months.
As that battle commenced, another ended quietly. I can reveal that John Reid, the bookies' favourite to challenge the Chancellor for Labour's top job, made it clear to Brown privately last week that he would not stand against him.
Despite encouraging signs during Labour's conference, Reid has realised that support for a serious challenge isn't there. Odds are that, having made his peace, Reid will remain Home Secretary when Brown moves in to No. 10. 
FIRST POSTED OCTOBER 9, 2006
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