Iain Duncan Smith concluded the Conservative conference on Thursday by telling critics of his leadership that they will only succeed in boosting Tony Blair's chances at the next general election.

The Tory leader told doubters to "get on board or get out of the way" and said it was his "mission" to take the party back into government.

"I won't allow anything or anyone to get in my way," he told the party faithful in Blackpool.

While making it clear he intends to fight to retain his job, Duncan Smith also launched a series of ferocious attacks on Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

He accused the prime minister of being "corrupt" and said Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy wanted to raises taxes on everything "except wines and spirits".

However, the jury remains out on Duncan Smith's leadership.

Shadow trade and industry secretary Tim Yeo said much will depend on "what MPs are saying next week when they have spent the weekend in their constituencies".

Executives from the Conservative backbench 1922 Committee will meet next Wednesday to consider how to proceed if 25 MPs back a vote of no confidence in their leader.

And the party's chief whip is also expected to call in suspected rebels for "showdown" meetings.