FORMER Bolton Tory MP turned Liberal Democrat Peter Thurnham has been appointed the Party's spokesman for Social Services.

The top post, with special responsibility for Care in the Community, will be announced by Liberal Democrat leader, Paddy Ashdown, at the party's North West regional rally tonight in Rochdale.

Mr Thurnham became an independent Tory earlier this year and then defected to the Liberal Democrats shortly after the Conservative Party conference.

The Liberal Democrats' latest recruit is already known as one of parliament's leading campaigners for the disabled and is Vice Chairman of two All Party Parliamentary Groups - for Disability and for Children.

He and his wife Sarah adopted a severely handicapped boy, Stephen in 1983. He is now 21.

Paddy Ashdown said: "Peter is known for for his personal commitment to caring for the most vulnerable in our society and his appointment reinforces the Liberal Democrats' growing influence in this important area of responsibility, not only in Westminster, but in local government."

Mr Thurnham will be making his first speech from a Liberal Democrat platform at tonight's rally. He said: "I am delighted to take up this challenging task. I will be pressing for improvements in the whole range of personal social services, including better long term care for the elderly and those most vulnerable in society - especially children in need."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.