A RETIRED Worcestershire MP has urged the Conservatives to consider another Coalition with the Liberal Democrats – saying he has always strongly backed it.

Sir Peter Luff, who has now stepped down after 23 years in parliament, told your Worcester News the historic two-party deal, which many predicted would collapse soon after it formed, has helped “moderate” the more right-wing Tory fringes.

Sir Peter, who represented Worcester and then Mid-Worcestershire, was a defence minster for David Cameron before announcing his retirement.

Ahead of this week’s General Election contest, he has now urged active Conservatives to not rule out another agreement with the Lib Dems in the event of a hung parliament.

“If we can’t get an overall majority, which of course is what I would prefer, the next step would be another Coalition and we shouldn’t rule this out,” he said.

“The Liberal Democrats have been a moderate voice, this Coalition has given back the Conservative Party some of its heart.

“It’s been the kind of Government I have always fought for and believed in, personally.

“As we get closer to polling day I would expect polls to harden, and from that I’d expect an increased Conservative vote but getting an overall majority will be difficult.

“I am a fan of the Coalition and, in principle, we should not rule it out.”

During his time in the Commons Mr Luff built a reputation for being very strongly pro-Europe, something he agreed with the Lib Dems on.

He is now working as chairman of the board which oversees the Heritage Lottery Fund.

His intervention comes after recent clashes between David Cameron and Nick Clegg over their track record in Government, with Mr Clegg claiming the Conservatives are planning faster public spending cuts than is actually needed.

Last month it emerged that Lib Dem activists were prepared to veto any fresh deal after taking a hammering in the polls since 2010.