By Jonathan Beale BBC political correspondent in Bournemouth

Tony Blair knows this conference is one of the biggest tests of his leadership - and in his BBC interview with Sir David Frost he came out fighting.

Mr Blair fights on to the next election

He did not look like a man worn down by criticism over Iraq, the Hutton Inquiry and his controversial reforms of public services.

He clearly wanted to give the impression that he was relishing the fight to defend decisions which he knew were right. He told the veteran interviewer that "this is a test of my mettle and character".

No apologies

On the war with Iraq he said - even with hindsight - he would have done exactly the same thing.

"I do not apologise for Iraq, I'm proud of what we've done. We were getting rid of "one of the most terrible, repressive regimes in the world's history".

He said British soldiers had done a magnificent job, they were heroes.

There wasn't a hint of doubt - even if no weapons of mass destruction had yet been found.

This is a fight at the moment, it's difficult. But the fight we are fighting for is a future which is fairer for everyone Tony Blair

He would not accept that the intelligence was faulty. Saddam Hussein, he said, was a serious threat to his region and the wider world and the prospect of terrorist groups getting hold of WMD from a rogue regime was "too ghastly to contemplate".

While there have been reports that the Iraq Survey Groups interim concusions will provide no conclusive evidence - Mr Blair's message was still wait and see.

He seemed keen to turn the interview to his domestic agenda - though that's not proving any more popular among many Labour supporters.

Robust defence

The stage is set this week for a battle with the unions over his flagship policies to reform public services - the introduction of university tuition fees and foundation hospitals.

But Mr Blair was just as robust. He said there "would be no withdrawal" of these policies.

As ever keen to avoid the charge of arrogance he said he was ready to listen - but he said he also had to lead and when you do both you "get it right".

Tony Blair: No 'pact' with Gordon Brown

So what about those recent opinion polls that show an increaing number of Labour supporters and voters wanting him to step down?

Mr Blair said polls "come and go". Had he for a for a second contemplated resigning? "No I didn't."

Mr Blair was questioned about the alleged pact he had made with Gordon Brown to hand over power - the subject of a Channel 4 drama entitled "The Deal" to be shown on Sunday.

Mr Blair denied that any such deal had been struck. "I have always said, and I think he (Gordon Brown) has as well, you don't do these things by deals.

"It's for the British people to decide who their Prime Minister is."

So Mr Blair fights on to the next election - though it's difficult to see him giving any other answer if he's to prove that his convictions are right.

His critics may be closing and his popularity may be waning - but this interview sent the message that they are wrong and he is right and he is not for turning.