A FORMER Conservative parliamentary candidate for Stourbridge has become one of UKIP’s latest recruits.

Diana Coad, who lost her fight for Stourbridge to Labour’s Lynda Waltho in 2005, has joined the purple party – citing Prime Minister David Cameron as a key reason for her defection.

The 63-year-old, who had been a Tory for almost half a century, has reportedly found it “increasingly difficult” to support Mr Cameron.

She told the News: "It's been a huge step for me but I feel as if a huge rucksack I was carrying around full of bricks has gone.

"I feel great and wish I had gone before.

"It's ironic as I almost certainly lost the seat of Stourbridge because of the UKIP vote."

Since 2006, Mrs Coad has been a councillor for Langley St Marys ward on Slough Borough Council where she was also leader of the Conservative group. She also stood as a parliamentary candidate for the Tories in Slough in 2001 and 2010.

UKIP is reported to be "delighted" with Mrs Coad’s decision to switch, while the Conservatives have thanked the party stalwart for her contribution and wished her well in her new party.

James Carver, current UKIP parliamentary candidate for Stourbridge, told the News: "I'm obviously delighted with Diana's decision.

"This demonstrates how UKIP is attracting support from across the political spectrum.

"I look forward to Diana's involvement with the party."