Exclusive: Expelled Tory Euro MP joins Liberal Democrats

The longest-serving Yorkshire and Humber MEP, who was expelled from the Tories last year after criticising the party's new Right-wing European allies, delivered a parting shot at David Cameron as he claimed the Tory leader would "say one thing in opposition and will do another in government".

But the Tory hierarchy brushed off claims he was "defecting" – saying he had already been expelled for his fierce attacks on Michal Kaminski, their Polish ally whom he accused of having an anti-semitic and homophobic background.

Writing exclusively in today's Yorkshire Post, Mr McMillan-Scott accuses Mr Cameron of "encouraging" extremism in Europe – after the Tories quit the main centre-Right group to form their anti-federalist alliance – and accuses the party of being "vengeful" towards him.

"My reasons for joining the Liberal Democrats are that in Nick Clegg they have a leader whom I like, admire and respect," he says.

The news came as the Lib Dems began gathering in Birmingham for their spring conference, weeks ahead of the General Election. Mr Clegg praised the MEP as someone of principle who had "refused to cosy up to Right-wing extremists".