CUMBRIA TORY COUNCILLORS DEFECT TO LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

8.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 4th Oct 2007

Father and daughter councillors Gordon and Lynn Murray are today leaving the Conservatives to become the first ever Liberal Democrat Councillors on Barrow Council. Lynn Murray said: "We are joining the Liberal Democrats because they are an open, modern and welcoming party where we will be encouraged to speak out for the residents of our area and where we can be fully involved in forming and deciding party policies at all levels." The defection will be a particular boost in Tim Farron's Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency, next door to Barrow.