Labour MP Tristram Hunt has declared that Labour modernisers feel "like the inside of a pig's head after a Piers Gaveston society ball".

The former shadow education secretary joked about PigGate as he urged members from pressure group Progress to stay positive in the wake of Jeremy Corbyn's victory.

He was among several high-profile Labour MPs who drew applause and cheers for praising the actions of Tony Blair in government – and a deafening silence for any mention of Corbyn and his deputy leader Tom Watson.

Speaking to a packed fringe meeting at Labour's party conference in a cinema in Brighton, Hunt described himself as a "god-fearing, national-anthem singing, roast-beef-eating member of Progress".

Opening his speech with "friends, comrades" – to much laughter from the audience – he urged members to "support our new leader Jeremy Corbyn and his plans on how to bring Labour back into government".

He went on: "Because, friends, we might all be feeling like the inside of a pig's head after a Piers Gaveston society ball – and we know the prime minister certainly has – but we need to pick ourselves up, get the taste of defeat out of our mouths, and focus on renewal."

Hunt praised Peter Kyle, Labour's new MP for Hove and Portslade, for winning his seat on a "pro-business" platform. "It's almost as if it's how you can win a general election!" he added, to applause.

"As a pressure group within the party, Progress should be proud of ourselves and confident of our purpose," Hunt said. "As Chuka [Umunna] said, don't ever let some fly-by-night Trot say that we aren't Labour."

John Woodcock, MP for Barrow and chair of Progress, opened the rally by saying: "Congratulations to Jeremy and Tom." His remark was met by an obvious silence that soon turned into awkward laughter.

Woodcock said: "Let's not forget that the key to change is – duh – winning an election. And you do that by persuading some of the people who voted for the other lot last time to vote for your lot this time."

In a swipe at shadow chancellor John McDonnell, he added: "And never forget that two plus two equals four – no matter how many time someone tells you it equals people's quantitative easing."