THE Liberal Democrat's newest county councillor once described the party as "hypocrites", it has emerged.

Joy Bushby last week announced that she had left the Conservative Party after 35 years' membership.

However, the Evening News can reveal that in her campaign leaflet for the last county council election in 2001, Mrs Bushby, who represents Bromsgrove Woodvale ward, said: "It is time for the clear, decisive control of Worcestershire County Council instead of the hypocrisy of the Labour and Liberal Democrat Partnership.

But Mrs Bushby told the Evening News that her statement at that time referred to her belief that the Labour and Liberal Democrat alliance had not been successful.

She also rejected the claim, reported last week, that at her Tory selection interview she said that she would not defect to another party.

"I was asked if I was looking to do the same thing as my daughter and stand as an independent candidate. I said 'no'," she said.

On Tuesday, February 8, Mrs Bushby attended her Liberal Democrat party group meeting.

"I was taken back by how well she fitted in," said county councillor, Tom Wells, who is also the Liberal Democrat leader of Malvern Hills District Council.

"She has been welcomed and we respect her track record in public service."