London - The storm on the global financial markets, plotters' uncertainty and an emotional speech peppered with personal touch conspired Tuesday to secure the political survival of Prime Minister Gordon Brown - at least for now.

Delivering what has been termed the "speech of his life" to delegates at the Labour Party's annual conference Tuesday, the 58- year-old British leader mixed a light-hearted rejection of criticism of his leadership style with a commitment to serious policy goals.

"I didn't come into politics to be a celebrity or always be popular, perhaps just as well," said Brown, prompting wild applause, foot stamping and laughter.

"And if people say I'm too serious, quite frankly, there is a lot to be serious about," he added to prolonged applause.

However, in a move smacking strongly of "celebrity-style," Brown's wife Sarah took to the rostrum before him to address delegates.

"I'm so proud that every day I see him motivated to work for the best interests of people all around the country," she said, before welcoming her husband with an embrace and a kiss to a background of thumping disco music and a party video.

In a defiant speech bare of contrition, Brown stayed true to his campaign motto "No flash- just Gordon" - and dwelt on his pet theme of creating a just and fair society in Britain.

"I know what I believe. I know who I am. I know what I want to do in this job," said Brown, in an oblique reference to the leadership issue.

"This is not a time for novices," he added, in a sidekick to those who might be aspiring to unseat him.

Many rank-and-file Labour party members said they believed Brown was the kind of "solid and experienced" politician to lead Britain through the current economic turmoil.

But others, especially among the younger generation, expressed doubt about whether Brown had the "vision and passion" to lead Labour to an electoral victory in the next two years.

That also remains a key concern of "dissident" members of parliament (MPs), who have said they fear that Brown could lead the Labour Party into a "bloodbath" before the next election.

In Manchester, Brown had succeeded in "developing a narrative of limited responsibility" by pointing to the global origins of the economic crisis, and presenting himself as the man to lead Britain through it, said Peter Riddell of The Times.

However, the reprieve won by Brown, commentators agreed, was likely to be only temporary, as doubters and plotters had not been convinced that the basic problems had disappeared.

Among them remained doubts about Brown's lack of charisma and his ability to narrow the massive 30-point lead of the Conservatives over Labour in the opinion polls in time for the next general election, due by May 2010.

In Manchester, the cabinet ministers who rallied round Brown were cautious in their praise, while expressing "understanding" for the unease felt in the party about its future and direction.

One, in particular, delivered an openly doubled-edged message: David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, who is tipped to be the front- runner to take over as leader should Brown go, used a conference speech to boost party morale while, as discreetly as he could, presenting himself as an alternative future leader.

"There are always two conferences here, one going on inside the hall and another that takes places in the bars and at fringe meetings, said Graham Stringer, an MP and strong Brown critic.

"Outside the hall there is no discussion where it's not about when Gordon will go," he said.