Former Conservative Councillor joins Lib Dems

11.04.11pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 19th Jun 2007

"Only the Lib Dems have show consistent principles in opposing ID cards from the start, the war in Iraq and in defending our civil liberties."

David Acock who was Conservative Borough Councillor for Eastfield Ward from 2003 to 2007 has left the Conservatives to join the Liberal Democrats.

"I have become increasing disenchanted and frustrated with Northampton Conservatives" said David "They seem to lack direction and substance, and on the County Council have introduced budget cuts and policy initiatives that hit those most vulnerable in our town. On the Borough Council their arrogance cost them the election on May 3rd and they show no signs of learning the lessons needed to regain any credibility in the town".

David first joined the Conservatives at the age of 19 and was elected as one of the youngest Borough Councillors at the age of 21 in 2003.

"Nationally David Cameron is trying to copy Tony Blair - he has supported Labour's illegal war in Iraq, he backs their controversial schools Academy programme and like Blair he spins out news with little substance or principle"

"Only the Lib Dems have show consistent principles in opposing ID cards from the start, the war in Iraq and in defending our civil liberties.

In Northampton North constituency they are clearly now the main challengers to Labour and I look forward to helping elect the town's first Lib Dem MP at the next election" continued David

Cllr Jean Hawkins, who was one of the Lib Dem candidates who beat David in Eastfeld ward in May, said "I am really pleased David has decided to join us - he has a record of doing work in the community and is a real asset to us locally."

Cllr Andrew Simpson, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North constituency said "David is very welcome in joining our growing team in Northampton. He reflects an increasing disenchantment with David Cameron and the Conservatives in their attempts to copy Labour policies to gain power"