Boris Johnson branded 'Tory scum' by protesters at party conference

The mayor of London later took a dig at demonstrators, describing them as 'assorted crusties with nose rings'

In the main the protests have been conducted with 'dignity and good grace', according to the police (Getty)

Boris Johnson was labeled 'Tory scum' by protesters as he hurried into the secure zone at the Conservative party conference, but speaking at a private function later took a dig at the demonstrators describing them as "assorted crusties with nose rings".

The comments by the London mayor, made at a party for northern Tories, were reported by The Telegraph.

Johnson told those attending the party he had assumed the demonstrators were welcoming him by shouting "Tories come, Tories come," the paper said.

The mayor of London has not been alone in facing shouted insults from demonstrators. Tories heading to their party conference in Manchester have had to weather a fair amount of abuse.

One smartly-dressed young conference-goer was egged in the city centre, while several of the placards and costumes seen at the protest used images of pigs, a reference to a story about David Cameron's university days related in Lord Ashcroft's unauthorised biography of the prime minister.

A journalist with the Huffigton Post was spat at with demonstrators saying he "deserved it", according to one of his colleagues.

One smartly-dressed young conference-goer, was egged in the city centre (Getty)

Four people were arrested on Monday amid the demonstrations, although in the main the protests have been conducted with "dignity and good grace", according to Greater Manchester Police.

Chief Superintendent John O'Hare thanked organisers for "taking responsibility and ensuring the demo was planned and delivered appropriately".

Tens of thousands of anti-austerity demonstrators from a range of interest groups have gathered in Manchester to protest against cuts by the Conservative government, as the Tories hold their autumn conference.

Charlotte Church was among those attending the demonstrations. The activist and singer spoke at a rally in Castlefield.

Meanwhile, Labour's Jeremy Corbyn is also attending a rally in defence of postal services, which is to be held in Manchester during the conference, an unusual step for an opposition leader.

Lord Feldmen, the Tory party chairman, had warned delegates in an email ahead of the conference to hide their identification badges while outside the conference area "due to safety concerns". Inside the conference hall, however, The Independent found a more tranquil scene.