Tories say Mr Howard's speech will give an upbeat tone to conference

Conservative leaders have traditionally made their speech at the end of conference - an event that is usually seen as something of a grand finale.

But this year Mr Howard's speech will be made on Tuesday and not Thursday.

Tories say the change to the agenda was made long before speculation about a possible by-election on the Thursday.

EU commissioner

A spokesman told BBC News Online: "Putting the party leader's speech earlier in the week will give an upbeat tone to the conference."

It is understood that Mr Howard will undertake a question and answer session in the conference hall at Bournemouth on the Thursday.

That is the same day, 7 October, tipped as polling day for the Hartlepool by-election forced by Peter Mandelson's move to become a European commissioner.

This October will be Mr Howard's first annual conference as Tory leader.