'Never again can we take the people of Britain for granted.

'Until people see that our Party has learned the lessons of 1997, we will go on getting the result of 1997.

'The Party that I lead will live in the present and prepare for the future.

'So to those who want to re-fight the battles of the past, and to those who want to live in the past, I simply say this: You stay in the Past; we are moving on.'

Stamping his authority on the Conservative Party, Iain Duncan Smith warned doubters:

'Those who do not know me yet, will come to understand this:

'When I say a thing, I mean it.

'When I set myself a task, I do it.

'When I settle on a course, I stick to it.

'Do not underestimate the determination of a quiet man.'

In summary, he told the Conservative Conference that if the Party wanted to lead Britain, it needed to trust the people of Britain:

'Above all we believe that to build a better society you must trust people.

'Not governments.

'Our principles must be for a purpose.

'And that purpose is simple.

'To make Britain a better place than it is today.'

James Davenport, Chairman of Torch, responded to Iain Duncan Smith's speech. Speaking immediately following the speech, he said, 'Iain Duncan Smith's speech means that the Conservative Party's thinking has returned to its true roots, and this can only be good for the gay community. Trusting individuals not politicians, freedom for people and communities, not power for bureaucrats and the State. This is what the Conservatives are all about - letting you live your life the way you see fit.'