A former Sussex MP and Tory treasury minister has defected to Labour, saying only Tony Blair has the vision to lead Britain.

Anthony Nelson said he was switching because of Tony Blair's leadership and Labour's policy on Europe.

Mr Nelson, 52, who represented Chichester for 23 years, retired at the 1997 election to care for his wife Caroline who was suffering from multiple sclerosis.

He said: "I've been a Conservative all my life but as the election approaches, it is clear only Tony Blair offers the leadership and vision this country needs. Labour's record on the sound management of the economy and the delivery of public services as well as their commitment to positive leadership in Europe convinces me they deserve to be supported this Thursday."

Mr Nelson, who was a minister in the Department for Trade and Industry in 1997, had been tipped for a Cabinet post shortly before his retirement.

Responding to Mr Nelson's defection, Tory leader William Hague said: "That is his choice. We have thousands of defections the other way, from the real people of this country, and that is what is buoying us up."

A statement issued by the Chichester Conservative Association said: "To defect to Labour in circumstances to allow himself to be used as part of Labour's propaganda machine three days before the General Election reeks of opportunism."