Former Lib Dem Dewsbury Parliamentary candidate Andrew Hutchinson joins Labour

A FORMER Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate has joined Labour.

Andrew Hutchinson announced his move yesterday.

He stood for the Lib Dems at last May’s general election in Dewsbury, finishing third with 9,000 votes.

But he left the party in November in protest at the coalition government’s plan to increase tuition fees.

And yesterday Mr Hutchinson announced he had joined Labour.

The Dewsbury man said: “Labour are the only party ready to speak up for people and protect our communities from the effects of the financial crisis brought about by the bankers and the swingeing cuts of the Conservative/Lib Dem coalition.”

Clr Kath Pinnock, who leads the Lib Dems on Kirklees Council, pointed out that Mr Hutchinson had been in the Conservative party before joining the Lib Dems.

The Cleckheaton woman said: “He’s obviously confused about his political values, he’s not sure what he stands for.

“I hope he finds a home in Labour if that’s what he wants but, in a sense, so what?”