Prospective candidate quits Lib Dems and joins Tories

The prospective Liberal Democrat candidate for the Milkstone and Deeplish ward has resigned – and joined the Conservative Party.

Altaf Nadeem resigned from the Liberal Democrats this morning (Wednesday 23 March 2011) because he had “no support from the party’s leadership".

He is now the prospective Conservative candidate for Milkstone and Deeplish.

Mr Nadeem said he felt “lonely” in the Lib Dem group and that their behaviour was “hypocritical.”

Mr Nadeem said: “I wanted to discuss with the leaders why other members had left and try to strengthen the party.

“They have not discussed anything with me or given me any information for the elections.

“It is very hypocritical behaviour.

“A couple of people’s behaviour is very wrong.”

Mr Nadeem continued: “There are so many issues; it is not just from one week, it is from four months. I have had my struggle. I never required anything from the party. I never asked for any benefits.

“There is a very negative attitude and they are not in a winning position.”

He added: “I have felt very lonely and have not had one per cent of joy.

“I think this is the right decision. I can not go side by side with the Liberal Democrats.”

However, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Councillor Irene Davidson said Mr Nadeem has never asked for a meeting with her.

Councillor Davidson confirmed that Mr Nadeem was a prospective candidate and had been interviewed.

Councillor Davidson said: “He has never asked for a meeting with me. If he had I would have met with him.

“I wish him well.”

The Leader of the Conservative Party, Councillor Ashley Dearnley, said: “We welcome him to join the Conservative Party and look forward to working with him.”

Councillor Dearnley said he was unaware of the situation involving the Liberal Democrats.

The news comes in the wake of Councillor Mohammad Sharif’s decision to join the Conservative party after he quit the Liberal Democrats in December.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/54049/former-lib-dem-joins-tory-party