A former Labour member of the Welsh assembly has joined the Conservatives.

Alison Halford said on Monday she was switching parties having become disillusioned with Labour.

She was Labour AM for Delyn in the 1999 to 2003 assembly term, and was also famous for her time as assistant chief constable of Merseyside Police.

The Conservatives said she would now act as an adviser on policing and social justice issues.

"I have been very disillusioned with Tony Blair's leadership for some time and know this is a view shared secretly by many Labour Party members," said Halford.

"I left the Labour Party over the issue of cronyism when Peter Mandelson was given yet another chance by being appointed a European commissioner.

"Trust in politicians is important and I have lost all faith in the prime minister.

"I am appalled by what is being unearthed in the Labour Party's determination to stay in office and what steps they have taken to hang onto power.

"Labour has lost its way badly. They have become known as the party of sleaze and weasel speak as power seems to have worked its corrupting influence."

She added that the Conservatives had "done a magnificent job in holding the Welsh Assembly Government to account".

"I want to play my part in working with Conservative colleagues to take Wales forward under a capable, caring Conservative government," she said.

Welsh Conservatives assembly leader Nick Bourne said Halford "is a person who rightly commands the utmost respect".

"During her time in the assembly Alison worked tirelessly for her constituents and earned a reputation as a keen scrutiniser of government policy as a member of the audit committee," he added.

"Alison's decision to join the Conservatives is further evidence of the progress the party is making under David Cameron's leadership."

And shadow Wales secretary Cheryl Gillan said: "I am absolutely delighted that Alison has chosen to join the Conservative Party.

"Her experience and input on policing matters will be invaluable, particularly as we look closely at the home secretary's plans to merge the four Welsh forces.

"I very much look forward to working with Alison."