BOLTON’S Conservative leader hailed David Cameron’s party conference speech as 'one of the best ever' and agreed with the Prime Minister that the Tories are the party of compassion.

Mr Cameron — closing the Manchester conference — appeared to be making a move for Labour voters who are disillusioned with new left-wing party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Mr Cameron aimed to position the Conservatives as the party of 'compassion' and said he plans to improve social mobility as well as tackle 'the scourge of poverty' in the country, while promoting more traditional Tory themes such as national pride and aspiration.

He said: “Over the next five years we will show that the deep problems in our society – they are not inevitable.

“That a childhood in care doesn't have to mean a life of struggle. That a stint in prison doesn't mean you'll get out and do the same thing all over again. That being black, or Asian, or female, or gay doesn't mean you'll be treated differently."

Cllr David Greenhalgh, Bolton’s Conservative group leader, was watching in Manchester and was impressed with the speech.

He said: “It was very impressive, probably one of the best I have heard in all the years I have been coming to the party conference.

“There were a number of distinctive angles such as the economy, aspiration — but there were also key stresses on social mobility and discrimination as well, which needs to be said.”

Cllr Greenhalgh said he is tired of the idea that his party lacks feeling. He said: “I am fed up to the back teeth of being told that Labour are the party of compassion.

“I am a totally compassionate person and believe totally in equal rights for everyone and we have allowed Labour over the years to hold that domain, but fairness, equality and being judged on merit are conservative values, so I am delighted that has been featured.”

Many will see Mr Cameron’s speech as a call to more centrist Labour voters and Cllr Greenhalgh agreed that there is now a 'huge opportunity' for the Conservatives to scoop up votes.

He said: “The worst possible thing that the Conservative party can do at present is to shoot off to the right, just as Labour has shot off to the left — we firmly hold the centre and the right of politics and it is a broad church and I am very pleased that David Cameron in his speech — while being strong on immigration and strong on economy and defence — has emphasised that we are holding those centre ground policies.”