So the conference ends with the same news that led up to it: a resignation from the government. Although this time of course, it was a cabinet minister who insisted she was a mother who was resigning in order to spend more time with her children - and not a rebel with a cause.
The fact is, though, that Ruth Kelly has been profoundly worried about the direction of her party and has spoken with other cabinet ministers who were contemplating resigning too, to make their point.
What this illustrates is that there is a big gap between talk behind the scenes and action. There is also a sense here that Gordon Brown has taken the first step - of many needed - for a political recovery.
And what today's news also reminds us all is that one speech doesn't change a prime minister's electoral prospects. There is still for him, and his party, a long way to go.
How very curious. In the early hours of this morning it was confirmed that Ruth Kelly was leaving her job as transport secretary, the reason, it was said, was for family reasons. It is clear that this is not the timing that Ms Kelly would have chosen.
Downing Street are already denying suggestions that they released the news in order to reduce its impact. The official statement makes clear that Ms Kelly's decision is for family reasons.
It's certainly true that she's talked to friends of making a "life change" saying she's done her time and that the family needs her more. Indeed she asked Gordon Brown four months ago to leave the government; he asked her to stay on until the next reshuffle.
So why the mystery then? Well it is well known that Ruth Kelly was among those most unhappy with the direction of the Labour Party under Gordon Brown. Indeed some cabinet colleagues had talked of joining her in a group resignation in order to make a statement about Gordon Brown's leadership and possibly to help precipitate a leadership contest.
