A CHRISTCHURCH councillor who left the Liberal Democrats to join the Conservatives has been formally accepted by the party.

Cllr Peter Hall announced his decision to leave the Liberal Democrats last week saying his decision was for the “benefit of the residents of Christchurch.”

And on Friday evening, Christchurch Borough Council’s Conservative members voted to accept him as a member of the Conservative group.

This brings the number of Tories on the council to 22, with just two Independents standing in opposition.

Cllr Ray Nottage, leader of Christchurch Borough Council said Cllr Hall would be joining the Conservative Dorset County group “ensuring that Christchurch punches above its weight at Dorchester”.

Trish Jamieson chairman of the Christchurch and East Dorset Conservatives said: “We welcome Peter to the association and are pleased to see him working for and with the town centre community under the Conservative banner.”

Leader of the council, Cllr Ray Nottage said: “Peter will be a great addition to our Conservative team.”