A letter has been sent to all Liberal Democrat councillors in Bolton asking them to defect to the Conservative Party.

Tory councillor Andy Morgan has invited his Lib Dem colleagues on the council to join the David Cameron-led revolution in his party.

He made his brazen bid to poach members of the Lib Dems following the launch of a new campaign by Mr Cameron - voted in as the new leader or the Conservatives earlier this month - to woo new members.

In the letter, Cllr Morgan said: "This is not an attempt to patronise you or wind you up. I have been asked by our central office to circulate this message and who best to start with than you our very own Lib Dem Council members!

"If any of you would like further information or would like to join us please feel free to speak to our leadership."

But he admitted that so far no-one had taken up his offer.

He said: "We know that a lot of Lib Dems are disillusioned with their party and if we are to get Labour out we will need to win back those people who have left the Tories for the Lib Dems.

"This isn't mischief making but we just want to let them know that our door is always open."

Just one defection to the Tories would be enough to wipe out the Lib Dem's slim advantage in the council chamber and leave all three parties with 20 seats each.

Two defections would make the Tories the largest party.

But the Lib Dem leader of the council, Cllr Barbara Ronson, said she had politely declined Cllr Morgan's offer.

She added: "It's a bit of cheek and, while I appreciate their current enthusiasm, I do not share it.

"They will try it on, bless them. I have no fears that any members of our group will leave but if any Conservatives councillors wish to leave and join a proper outfit I will welcome them with open arms."