A LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Mid Devon District Councillor has joined the Conservatives – becoming the latest of more than 30 Lib Dem councillors across the country to do so since David Cameron became leader.

Clive Eginton, who has been an active Liberal Democrat for more than 31 years and district councillor for nearly seven years, cited the “real progress” made by Conservatives running Mid Devon District Council as one of the reasons behind his decision.

He also praised the “hard work and commitment” shown by Mel Stride, the Conservative Prospective MP for the new seat of Central Devon as an important factor behind the move.

In response, Mel said that he was “delighted” to welcome Cllr. Eginton – who represents the Taw Vale Ward - to the Conservatives.

Eric Pickles, the Chairman of the Conservatives, welcomed Clive to the Party, saying "I am delighted that another Liberal Democrat has realised the best way to achieve lasting change is to join the Conservatives.

"Liberal Democrats can achieve the changes they so desperately want through the Conservative Party. Like them we share similar values on civil liberties, the environment and quality of life issues."

Speaking on his decision, Cllr. Eginton said that it had “not been taken lightly”, but that he “firmly believed” that it was the right one.

He said: “There have been two main reasons behind my decision.

“Firstly, the Conservative group that is now running MDDC in conjunction with independent councillors has been making real progress in resolving the many challenges facing the council and I want to play an active and positive role in supporting this work.

“My second reason relates to the General Election. I have always admired and respected Nick Harvey as our local MP but boundary changes now mean that Nick will not be on the ballot paper for us at the next election because we will be in the new constituency of Central Devon.

“Over the last few years I have found myself being impressed with the hard work and commitment of the Conservative parliamentary candidate Mel Stride and of the various Party candidates for Central Devon Mel is, in my view, by far the strongest candidate.

“I have come to know him over the years and I am confident that if we elect him he will provide us all with a powerful and effective voice in parliament.

“There are going to be tough times ahead after the next election and I would personally like to see Mel as the person standing up for us in Westminster.”

In welcoming Clive to the Conservatives, Mel said: “Clive is a hugely respected local councillor and I am delighted that he has decided to join us. Going forward, his advice and input will be invaluable in helping us to continue to address the issues that matter to local people within the Taw Vale ward.”

Mid Devon District Council leader Peter Hare-Scott said, “Clive is an excellent councillor with a wealth of experience that will strengthen our team further.

His bold move, together with our recent gain from the Liberal Democrats in the Yeo by election, are endorsements of the great progress the first ever Conservative led administration at Mid Devon District Council has made.

Clive, as Chairman of the Decent and Affordable Homes policy development group, has played a key role in this and I now look forward to working even more closely with him.''