The Welsh Conservatives have hailed the defection to their ranks of a former Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate.

Rene Kinzett, who stood for the Swansea West seat, said that David Cameron's was "serious about changing itself so it can change Britain for good".

Party chairman Francis Maude said: "Many Liberal Democrats have been attracted by the prospect of a new, re-energised, modern Conservative Party in government and I am delighted that Rene has decided to join us.

"We are leading the way on major challenges such as climate change and global poverty and are committed to decentralisation and defending civil liberties.

"The Conservative Party is the new home for Liberal Democrat voters and others who want a new, energetic government at the next election."

Kinzett, who currently represents the Mayals ward on Swansea County Council, said he had thought "long and carefully" about his defection from the Lib Dems.

"The modern, compassionate Conservatives have shown their willingness to learn the lessons of the past and to take tough decisions to change the party and its policies for the longer term," he said.

"I am instinctively a liberal. I believe in smaller government, in the fundamental rights of the individual against an overbearing state and I believe in strong communities with decisions being taken at the lowest level possible.

"I know that the modern Conservatives embody these principles and truly believe that individuals know what is best for their communities and not government."

Kinzett added that he would be "a firm supporter of devolution, having campaigned for a Welsh Assembly in the referendum in 1997".

Shadow Wales secretary Cheryl Gillan said: "The Conservative Party is providing a new home for all those who want to see a change of government both in Wales and across the United Kingdom.

"I very much welcome Rene Kinzett's decision to join the Conservative Party.

"I urge all those who want to build a modern, progressive, liberal mainstream alternative to Labour to follow his example."

And Welsh Conservative assembly leader Nick Bourne said it was "yet another tangible sign of how the Conservative Party under David Cameron's leadership is appealing to people from all political persuasions".