DEFENCE Secretary Bob Ainsworth yesterday heralded Labour candidate Maryam Khan as the person to restore Bury North’s trust in politicians.

Mr Ainsworth, on a visit to the Fusiliers Museum, said he believed the Conservatives’ policies would hinder the recovery of the economy.

He added: “This is about the big choice and I do not believe the Tories have changed from the party they were. David Cameron has done a very good job with gloss paint but the building is still the same.

“They have the same policies and I do not believe people will want that. We are behind in the opinion polls but the gap is closing so we are still in the game.

“Trust is very important and personality will play a part. Maryam is going to be a very good candidate and she will be working very hard.”

Ms Khan said that despite the expenses fury aimed at current MP David Chaytor, who is due to appear in court again next month on theft charges relating to his claims, people who had previously been undecided which way to vote, were turning to Labour.

She said: “I am a new candidate and as well as being under the new expenses reform, I want to be as open as possible and plan to have my expenses independently audited.

“The most important thing for me is to go out and speak to people and that is what I am doing. The response has been very good.”