Tony Blair will deliver his farewell conference speech as Labour leader and British prime minister this afternoon against the backdrop of a now openly declared battle for the succession.
Labour delegates are expected to give a rapturous reception to the man who led the party to an historic three terms in power. And Mr Blair hopes to use his speech to show he has "work still to do" - not least in Northern Ireland and the Middle East - during his remaining time in 10 Downing Street.
That was made clear last night by aides dismissing speculation that Mr Blair might yet "spring a surprise" on the conference by naming the date for his early departure.
However, the departing prime minister's hope that ministers would observe a vow of silence on the leadership question and spend the week "talking to the public" about "the issues" was finally dashed yesterday, as chancellor Gordon Brown openly pitched to be Britain's next prime minister. "I am confident that my experience and my values gives me the strength to take the tough decisions," declared Mr Brown: "I would relish the opportunity to take on David Cameron and the Conservative Party." Mr Brown heaped lavish praise on Mr Blair, telling conference: "Whether it is building social justice at home, the advances in peace in Northern Ireland, resolution in the face of terrorism and leadership on Africa, let us applaud the immense national and international contribution, as leader and prime minister, of Tony Blair." Mr Brown also gave no hostages to the left of the party, promising the "renewal" of New Labour while committing himself to a familiar-sounding Blairite agenda across the range of domestic and international policy.
While Mr Brown's speech did not exactly electrify the hall, some doubtful colleagues grudgingly conceded he had probably "done enough" to calm the party's anger over the failed attempt to force Mr Blair's immediate departure three weeks ago.
However, the chancellor's open pitch for the top job - and the ever-increasing line-up of ministers seeking the deputy leadership - seems certain to lead to renewed pressure for a more precise timetable from Mr Blair when parliament returns after the conference season.
Meanwhile, the Manchester air was thick with intrigue last night, as official denials that Cherie Blair had called Mr Brown a liar - when he said he had been "privileged" to serve with Mr Blair - failed to dampen the belief that, whether she did or did not, the alleged comment reflected "the truth" of her hostility toward the man impatient to succeed her husband.