A former Liberal Democrat leader has urged his electors to judge him by his actions after defecting to join the Conservatives.

Glyn Williams, who represents Worstead on North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), announced yesterday that he was making the move to the ruling group, two years after being elected for the first time.

Mr Williams, 56, who lives at Swanton Abbott, has today explained his decision, saying he was impressed with the way that the Conservatives were tackling 'difficult issues'.

He said: 'I had 20 years' experience working in local government in Hampshire, running leisure services policy and planning and advising politicians.

'I retired early and returned home to Norfolk, and thought I would like to continue my involvement in local government. That led to my being elected.'

He added: 'I'm quite clear why I want to be involved, and it's about providing the best possible services for local people.

'Looking at how the Conservatives have been approaching the difficult issues of the moment, I think I could bring my background and thoughts better to bear if I was part of the administration.'

He said the last few weeks in local government, includes the gains made by UKIP at County Hall, had shown there was 'a need for a new way of working'.

He said: 'Local people are interested in what you are doing, more than they are interested in one party or another.

'Every time somebody changes groups there's a cry to hold a by-election, and I understand that. But I'm not changing the way in which I represent the interests of local people.

'I'm simply changing the group of people that I work with. These are always difficult decisions, but let me be judged by my actions.'

The switch, which was welcomed by council leader Tom FitzPatrick, means NNDC's political make-up is 28 Conservatives, 17 Lib Dems, one UKIP and one independent who together form a group, and one unaffiliated independent.

Mr Williams' ward includes Felmingham, Skeyton, Suffield, Swanton Abbott, Westwick and Worstead.

He came to prominence in 2008 as chairman of Cetag - Coltishall Eco-Town Action Group - a campaigning body of 14 parish councils surrounding the former RAF Coltishall base which were opposed to a proposal to turn it into an eco town.