A FORMER Bolton Tory Party official has defected to the Liberal Democrats.

Mrs Pat Whitaker is a previous chairman of Tonge ward Conservatives and has stood as a candidate in council elections.

Today, she spoke of her reasons for joining former Bolton North-east MP Peter Thurnham in the Liberal Democrats.

"I have always had great respect for Peter and worked with him in the past.

"But he is not the main reason I have decided to join the Liberal Democrats. I just feel that the Conservative Party has lost touch with ordinary people.

"I was a staunch Conservative, but I think I have always been a Liberal thinker and I know I have done the right thing making this move."

Cllr Miss Mary Mason, chairman of Bolton Liberal Democrats and Dr Edmund Critchley, candidate for Bolton North East today welcomed her into the party.

Aged 56, mother of two Pat, of Thicketford Road, is a well-known figure in the Tonge Moor community, being involved in many campaigns over the years.

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