VETERAN Bolton Tory Anthony Osborne was won over to new party leader William Hague by his big speech to the party conference in Blackpool yesterday.

The 62-year-old security guard from Bradshaw said: "I wasn't sure about him. I had my doubts, but I thought it was a marvellous speech.

"I now convinced he's the right man for the job.

"It's long fightback but we've done it before and we'll do it again."

Mr Osborne - a Tory Party member for 30 years and attending the conference as a representative for Bolton North-East Conservative Association - said he was right behind Mr Hague's reforms of the party.

He said there was a need for more party democracy: "The leadership needs to listen to the rank and file. That was our mistake before the last election."

Fellow Bolton North-East representative, 54-year-old former Social Services Manager John Evans was also right behind Mr Hague.

He said:"I've been a fan ever since he came to Bolton.

"I thought it was a great speech.

"I think he's the right man for the job to ensure that we do fight back quickly."

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