Local Conservatives suffered a major blow when top Tory and Merton resident Dirk Hazell joined the Liberal Democrats.
A former Merton Councillor, Mr Hazell was the London Conservatives’ most senior party official until 2005. He is backing Brian Paddick to be the next Mayor of London.
Mr Hazell praised Brian Paddick's 30 years as a police officer in London and his plans to tackle crime.
“Many people who previously voted Conservative don't want Ken but think Boris is a buffoon. Brian Paddick is serious about London: he’s the man to make life better in Merton” he said.