The Liberal Democrat candidate for Hyndburn at last year's General Election has joined the Labour Party.

Andrew Rankine polled 5,033 in last year's election, 11.79% of the vote, putting him in third place behind Labour's Graham Jones and the Conservatives' Karen Buckley.

But Mr Rankine, a former Skipton Mayor who stood as a Lib Dem candidate in Craven District Council elections in May this year, has now quit to join Labour.

He said: “I was unhappy with the coalition right from the start and have become increasingly concerned with its policies over the last 14 months.

“How could I support a party which is targeting the sick, the poor, the vulnerable and the disabled, while protecting the obscene bonuses of city bankers?

“We all have a duty to be responsible, but not at the expense of us being a caring society. Only Labour can deliver this.

"Labour is now the only party who can stand up for people against this Tory-led Government and I’m looking forward to playing an active part in the party.”

Chris Rose, chairman of Skipton and Ripon Labour Party, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to Labour.

"He will bring skills and abilities to the Party locally which will be invaluable.

"Andrew’s decision to join the Labour Party emphasises the anxiety and anger being felt by vast swathes of the public at the damaging actions being taken by the Tory-led Government."

Pete Flynn, chairman of Skipton and Ripon Liberal Democrats, said: “Despite the fact that our local membership numbers are higher than at the time of the general election, we are sad he has left.”