ONE of Britain's top politicians met Chorley Conservatives on Saturday.

Shadow Home Secretary Anne Widdecombe was at Chorley Town Hall's Lancastrian Room for a special lunch with local party members.

About 150 Conservatives heard Miss Widdecombe attack the Labour government over alleged sleaze as she made her speech.

The dinner was the highlight of a tour of Lancashire which saw Miss Widdecombe visit other marginal seats, including South Ribble.

Chorley Borough Council Conservative group leader Eric Bell said: "If you're going to get someone to get the crowds in, she's the one. She's very convincing, there's no wavering with her."

The event also introduced Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate Peter Booth to local party members.

Currently fund-raising manager for the Earth Centre project in Sheffield, Mr Booth is hoping to regain the Chorley seat for the Conservatives after Den Dover lost to Lindsay Hoyle in the 1997 General Election.

Mr Booth, who is planning to move into the area shortly, said: "I think Anne Widdecombe is a superb shadow Home Secretary. She bats for Britain and she bats for people who aren't in a position to bat for themselves.

"She is a superb asset for the shadow cabinet and she is a great Conservative."

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