THE new chairman of the Rossendale and Darwen Conservatives has vowed to brighten up politics and says his mission is not to fight the Labour Party but to combat the Apathy Party'.

East Lancashire businessman Clive Balchin today said: "I am keen to use the position to try to get as many people as possible actively engaged in politics.

"For years I have been fighting the Labour Party but I honestly believe our biggest challenge today is with the Apathy Party.

"Some people may think I am a little sad but I passionately believe politics at local level can be relevant, interesting and sometimes even fun.

"It's about making decisions that have a real and lasting impact on individuals, on businesses and on communities but it doesn't have to be about jargon, spin and long-winded reports.

"Yes I want to win new members for the party. Yes I want us to do well in elections. But I also want to destroy some of the myths about what the Conservatives stand for."

The 51-year-old independent financial advisor, who is president of Rossendale Chamber of Commerce, added: "I was delighted to win the election for the chairmanship because I feel I have a great deal to offer.

"That said, I suppose I was a little surprised because I'm not a typical Tory and can be a maverick.

"But I don't see that as an issue. Politics can be too grey and lifeless at times and it really shouldn't be it's far too important to be drab."

Phillip Dunne of the Edenfield Association is now president of the RDCA and Mike Christie from Bacup becomes vice-chair.