Tony Blair bade farewell to his party last night, insisting it was "right for him to let go" and challenging his successor to avoid the political comfort zone and show "raw courage" in meeting the new global task of reconciling liberty and security.

In one of the most commanding speeches he has delivered to conference, Mr Blair said winning the next election was the only legacy he wanted and promised to try to heal divisions at the top of the party after "a lot of talk about lies and truths these past few weeks".

To head off the calls for his early departure and avoid the suggestion he is a lame duck, after the speech officials briefed on the prime minister's final intray, including a 39-point programme focusing on security, which will be the centrepiece of the Queen's Speech.

The measures will include a criminal justice bill in the autumn, an immigration and nationality bill in the spring, and white papers on rail, energy and local government. There will be a renewed plan on child support, including proposals to improve opportunities for children in care.