LIBERAL Democrat high-flier Bryn Hackley has quit the party and defected to Labour.

Mr Hackley, of Higher Dean Street, Radcliffe, fought against Bury North MP David Chaytor in last year's General Election, and has twice contested Radcliffe wards in local elections.

But now he accuses his former party of being interested only in "gimmicks" and electioneering, instead of policies which would help people in the borough.

It's another change of party for Mr Hackley (32). Some years ago he belonged to the Young Conservatives.

He is a co-opted member of Radcliffe Area Board, representing Bury Environmental Forum.

Mr Hackley says that only Labour has the policies and determination to change Britain for the better. "Local Liberals do not appear to be interested in developing effective policies for the borough," he said. "Instead, their over-riding concern is election targets for the coming year.

"While I understand that winning elections is important for all political parties, local Liberals have gone too far. Policy is no longer developed out of principle, ideological belief or a concern to improve local people's lives, but by short-term electoral concerns, and that's not why I'm in politics."

Mr Hackley also says the Lib Dem policy of an extra one penny on income tax is a gimmick, and cannot fund improvements in public services. He praised Labour's raising of National Insurance contributions to pay for the NHS, and its plan to replace Railtrack with a publicly accountable, non-profit making body.

Naturally, his conversion has been warmly welcomed by his new Labour colleagues. Councillor Barry Briggs, chairman of Radcliffe Area Board, said: "He is someone who cares deeply about our community and is committed to its future."