Tory candidate joins the Lib Dems

9.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 8th Dec 2006

Former Tory, Ed Abella with his new collegues David Tutt and Stephen Lloyd.

Former Conservative candidate, Ed Abella, who stood as the Tory representative in Hampden Park at the last four elections, has sensationally announced his defection from the Conservatives to the Liberal Democrats.

Opposition council group leader, Cllr David Tutt, welcomed Mr Abella to the Party saying: "Ed is well recognised in Hampden Park as a sincere, hardworking community campaigner who puts the interests of local residents first. Clearly after much deep consideration he has recognised that the Party who most share his ideals to serve the public are the Liberal Democrats."

Mr Abella added: "My decision has not come about overnight. I had become increasingly disillusioned by the difference between what Conservatives say and actually do in Eastbourne. Furthermore, I feel the present system of council tax based on the value of property is unfair as it hits the poorest hardest. The Lib Dem policy of a local income tax which is based on ability to pay protects those on low and fixed incomes. In Eastbourne, for instance, the average household would pay around £250 less per year. I also see the continuous hard work been done on behalf of local people by Stephen Lloyd, the Lib Dem parliamentary challenger, and it became obvious to me that he is the person who will most actively represent the people of Eastbourne & Willingdon as their MP."

Stephen Lloyd said: "I've watched Ed Abella many times over the years as he's campaigned in Hampden Park on behalf of local people and I've always been impressed by his genuine commitment. The energy and enthusiasm that he will bring to the Lib Dems in Eastbourne compliments the tremendous increase in new supporters who have joined us over the last few months. I am also delighted to announce that Ed has agreed to become an adviser to my campaigns team. His input will prove invaluable to me in the run-up to the next General Election and it's a real pleasure to have him on board."