Former Liberal Democrat Councillor Dave Smithson, who represented Halewood North ward on Knowsley Council until May this year, has confirmed today he has no plans to defect to Labour or indeed any other party.

He says the decision was an easy one to make and took very little if any soul searching but following a series of high profile stories and speculation in the national media in recent days Dave said he felt obliged to quell the rumours before they started!

Dave has also confirmed he has no plans to run for election to become the Lib Dem candidate for the Mayor of London elections.

Speaking today Dave said: “Naturally I am sure there are many newspaper editors the length and breadth of the country screaming at their news editors with fury that they have missed the chance to run a non-story before the denial was issued.

“But I felt it was time for someone to expose their silly season rubbish for what it is, pure rubbish! 

“The sooner they realise that producing stories that have no resemblance of truth about them then people like me can concentrate on getting on with holding Labour to account for the mess they have made of the country and stop wasting time sending out press releases denying their claims.

“As a former journalist it is sad to see the day coming ever closer when newspapers become fish and chip paper before they are even printed.

“It is also with deep regret that I have to confirm I will not be seeking the endorsement of Party members to be the Lib Dem candidate for the 2012 Mayor of London elections, not least because I am sure as Mayor of London I would be guaranteed a great seat at the Olympics!

“But I am more than willing to take my chances in the lottery for tickets for the Olympics just like everyone else!”