A HIGH profile Labour councillor has defected to join the Liberal Democrats.

Dave Eccles, a former Warrington Borough councillor for Labour, says he has switched to the ruling Liberal Democrat party because he backs their approach to the borough's politics.

He had been a member of the Labour Party for nearly 18 years and, until recently, was secretary to the Warrington North constituency Labour party.

Mr Eccles was a Warrington Borough councillor for four years serving on the development control and scrutiny committees.

He controversially lost his seat in 2003 following Labour's month of the long knives, when many senior councillors were barred from standing for re-election.

The ex-teacher currently sits on Poulton and Fearnhead Parish Council and before that served on Birchwood Town Council for ten years.

He said: "Leaving one political party for another is not an easy decision and certainly not one to be made lightly.

"But I firmly believe that the people and communities of Warrington can now best be served by the Liberal Democrat party and the social democratic principles it champions.

"The party has a fresh, positive and inclusive approach which I can wholeheartedly support and one which I know the people of Warrington appreciate."

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Clr Ian Marks, said: "I am delighted that Dave has decided to join the Liberal Democrats. I have known him for many years and have always held him in high regard.

"I know that he has become increasingly disillusioned with Labour and now feels he has more in common with us.

Terry Probert, chairman of Warrington north Liberal Democrats, added: "His knowledge and experience will be of tremendous benefit to us in Warrington North."

The Lib Dems are believed to be targeting Birchwood - where Mr Eccles formerly stood for Labour - in next year's elections.