A FORMER member of the Conservative party in the Cotswolds has jumped ship to the Liberal Democrats.

Oliver Cooper, 24, from Sapperton, has joined the Cotswold Lib Dems after being with the Tories since the age of 16.

The Lib Dems said Mr Cooper had held "key positions" with the Cotswold Conservative party including deputy chair and was due to stand as a candidate in May's district council elections.

However, the Tories played down the impact of losing Mr Cooper, describing him as simply an "activist" and saying he was "not a regular" at meetings and actually resigned from the party "several months ago".

Announcing his decision to join the Lib Dems, Mr Cooper gave his backing to the party's candidate for the Cotswold seat in parliament at the next general election, Paul Hodgkinson.

Mr Cooper said: “Undoubtedly the Conservatives have abandoned the centre ground. By contrast, at their core the Lib Dems are made up of progressive and compassionate campaigners whose breadth of views anchors them to the centre ground.

"Where there was previously a contest for the centre ground, there is now only one choice for those who truly believe in liberty, equality and community and that is the Liberal Democrats.

"I am backing Paul Hodgkinson to be the next Cotswold MP.

“The local campaigns, activities and personalities of the Cotswold Liberal Democrats have been the catalyst for my move.

"Their campaigns on car parking charges have highlighted the narrow vision of the Cotswold Conservatives; their actions to promote Cirencester's green fields and to make green spaces into community assets are bold and hopeful; and the energy of Paul Hodgkinson, Joe Harris and all their colleagues is magnetic."

Mr Hodgkinson, who is a district and county councillor, described Mr Cooper as "like a breath of fresh air".

"He is an incredible asset to the team and I hope his move will enable others who feel the same way to come and join us as we seek to make history in May,’ he added.

A spokesman for the Cotswold Conservatives said Mr Cooper had made "a strange decision" by joining the Lib Dems.

He said: "Whilst we are sad to see a party activist depart, Mr Cooper was not a regular at any of our meetings and resigned his membership several months ago.

"It seems a strange decision that runs contrary to current political trends. The Liberal Democrats are not a viable alternative and cannot offer the people of the Cotswolds the security of lower taxes and a long term economic plan that is turning our country around."