Chancellor Osborne was praised by Tory colleagues for his conference speech, but was angrily attacked by unions representing millions of workers in private firms and the public sector.

Prime Minister David Cameron and Defence Secretary Philip Hammond were among those happy with George Osborne's contribution.

But union officials criticised his "failed economic policies", while business leaders called for "swift action" on his growth priorities.

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey, said: "George Osborne's repetition of 'we are all in this together' is an insult to millions of families struggling to make ends meet and meaningless to the one in seven children who regularly go without a hot meal. His cuts will turn decent people into desperate people."

Meanwhile, The Prime Minister told activists that it was a "great speech".

While Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: "It was a brilliant speech. I thought it really set an over-arching vision of the various different measures that we have taken in all different areas, and explained how we are dealing with the short-term challenges, but also, much more importantly, setting out the long-term agenda for the future of Britain."