NERVES were taut as the Tories lined up for what is probably their most crucial annual conference since the early 1950s. For leader William Hague, struggling to impress his own party faithful let alone floating voters, it is make-or-break time.

There is an air of the "last chance saloon" about the conference hall as the Tories attempt to re-establish themselves as a party the electorate can take seriously.

William Hague has to stamp his authority on the party, otherwise he is done for.

The run-up has been more like those which preceded Labour Party conferences of old - bickering among the ranks, private feuds becoming public and in-fighting among the lieutenants.

Add to this the sour tone of the memoirs of Norman Lamont and John Major published at the worst possible time, the alleged criticism of Hague's leadership by Lady Thatcher and her description of him as "wee Willie" and you have the worst possible setting for a Tory conference.

By contrast last week's Labour Party conference ran like a well-oiled machine, similar to an American political rally.

It used to be the other way round.

Aggro and verbal abuse was the hallmark of Labour conferences.

In a recent poll William Hague got a lower rating than did Michael Foot when he was leader of the Labour Party.

Bearing in mind what a disastrous period that was for Labour, the Tories really are on the back foot.

Lady Thatcher has belatedly rallied to Hague, despite a marked lack of enthusiasm towards his leadership so far.

She has accused Tony Blair of perpetuating a "shameless confidence trick" on the British voters at the last General Election and claimed that his speech at last week's Labour Party conference attacking "the forces of conservatism" has revealed the Labour leader in his true colours. But it will need far more than defiant words from yesterday's lady to elevate a party, perceived as providing the weakest opposition in 25 years, to the position of an alternative government.

William Hague knows that he is fast approaching "injury time."

If the Tory faithful leave Blackpool feeling they have witnessed a firework display made up largely of damp squibs, their party will face years in the political wilderness.

He has promised "the gloves will come off."

They need to.

For, he will need all the scrapping instincts of the old bare knuckle fighters if he is to convince voters that he is leading an opposition capable of forming a government.

So far, during his time as leader, there has been very little sign of that.

It will be an interesting week, but we suspect it is Labour supporters who will be looking forward to it with an air of glee.

Tory supporters must be very worried.

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