The Labour chairman has launched a stinging attack on Iain Duncan Smith and urged party members to prepare for the next round of key elections.

As the curtain came down on the party's conference, the Labour chairman ridiculed the Conservative leader's attempts to present a more caring image.

Clarke said that between 1992 and 2001, the Tory leader had participated in one debate on poverty compared with 41 on Europe.

"That's the truth about IDS's caring compassion. That shows where his true interest lies," he said.

"And that's what makes the Tory approach so dishonest and deceitful."

There was also a surprisingly strong attack on US president George W Bush and his message of "compassionate conservatism".

Clarke said the president's message had been marketed "ruthlessly and dishonestly".

And he said it was time for Labour to prepare for the next round of elections.

Clarke told rank-and-file members that the next year will see a critical test of the party's popularity.

With Labour struggling to pay off large debts, and facing a series of expensive election campaigns, the party chairman told his footsoldiers not to flag in their campaigning zeal.

He pointed to mayoral elections this October, as well as next May's elections for the Scottish parliament, Welsh assembly and English councils.

"Every single seat will be important," was his message to grassroots members.

Clarke urged delegates to return to their constituencies and remember Bill Clinton's message that "politics matters".

"We've had our arguments, fairly and openly expressed, and constructively discussed."

"I urge everyone in this hall and in the party outside to make sure that the next year is another great Labour year following a great Labour conference."