TORY leader William Hague has blasted Preston's political situation, describing it as a 'farce.'

The Conservative Party boss was speaking during a visit to Ashton-on-Ribble High School, in Aldwych Drive, Preston, as part of a morale-boosting tour ahead of next week's European elections.

But he used the opportunity to tear apart Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors who have swapped sides in the past year.

Mr Hague said: "It is quite a farce.

"It is things like this that will encourage people to turn to the Conservatives in Preston in the future.

"It is ridiculous to see all this happening. Councillors are there to be working towards responsible government."

Mr Hague isn't the first politician to condemn the fiasco at the town hall.

Local MPs including Nigel Evans have slated the actions, while MPs with no connections to Preston have also joined the chorus of condemnation.

There were three defections within days of the most recent elections, including the departure of Mick Moulding from Labour back to the Liberal Democrats - after a few hours as an independent.

Mr Hague added: "People are quite entitled to move parties but a farcical element has emerged in Preston, especially with so much happening so close to the elections."

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