However the debate - used by unions and local parties to make a point - has no formal role in party policy.

BBC: Labour members back Mail action

According to Karen Gillard , chair of Torche and a Tory councillor, the party's policy on gays was no different to policy on any other area: up for grabs and no reason to leave the party if you didn't agree with it.

BBC: Sing if you're glad to be Tory

Speaking at the conference on Friday, former Welsh assembly Presiding Officer Lord Elis-Thomas told party members that withholding the licence fee "no longer belongs to policy development in a constitutional political party".

BBC: S4C headquarters in Cardiff