Charles Kennedy kicked off his party conference yesterday with an attack on the US's Iraq policy and a denial that he was too laid back.

The Liberal Democrat leader denied suggestions that he was failing to capitalise on Tory divisions.

He also dismissed claims that he had to decide whether to position his party to the left of Labour to woo disaffected Labour voters.

Today's conference will see debates on liberal democracy and policing and a statement on Iraq.

On Tuesday, whilst MPs return to Westminster, Lib Dems will debate vote rigging, the future of broadcasting and pornography.

Wednesday sees a debate public services, an emergency debate on Iraq - followed by a debate on ID cards.

The final day of the conferences will kick off with a debate on archaeology and women's pensions - before the conference closes with the leader's speech.

In an interview with today's Telegraph, Mark Oaten, the party's chairman, said: "The fight between the Tories and the Liberal Democrats is going to be the real battleground at the next election.

"I think it really is possible that the Conservatives could end up as the third party in politics."