DISGRACED former MP Jonathan Aitken is set to visit Blackburn Cathedral to talk about his life behind bars.

The man who once famously promised to "cut out the cancer of bent and twisted journalism with the simple sword of truth and the trusty shield of British fair play" before being jailed for perjury will deliver the diocese's annual lecture.

Dean of Blackburn Christopher Armstrong said he wanted a well-known personality capable of attracting a wider audience.

In a break from the norm the traditionally theologian lecture has been given a new twist that some, according to the Dean, may not appreciate.

And after being turned down by Private Eye editor and Have I Got News For You? panellist Ian Hislop organisers turned to the former cabinet minister.

The Dean said: "We wanted someone with a more populist appeal. Ian Hislop couldn't come and it just so happened Jonathan was going to be in the area.

"We thought given his profile, politically and in recent years in terms of his church interests, he would be able to attract a wide audience."

No politician in recent times has fallen further than Jonathan Aitken.

The man who had it all -- talent, riches, good looks -- fell on his "sword of truth" when he sued The Guardian newspaper and Granada Television over allegations of improprieties while he was a Tory Minister for Defence Procurement.

His perjury over who paid his bill at the Paris Ritz Hotel in September 1993 led to a criminal conviction for perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice. On June 8 1999 he was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment. The judge took a particularly dim view of the fact that Aitken involved one of his daughters his deception.

It was during his incarceration Mr Aitken had a Damascan conversion and became a committed Christian.

The Dean added: "There are people who are quizzical about his sudden interest in Christianity and some are maybe a bit sceptical.

"I hope they will come and listen to him and question him about that."

Jonathan Aitken Pride and Perjury is due to be held at Blackburn Cathedral on Monday November 8 at 2.30pm.