TORY leader William Hague's office last night claimed that one of the region's leading figures in the fight against crime had changed his stance over the current law and order debate.

The announcement followed statements by Cleveland Labour councillor Ken Walker over the Government's reaction to the life sentence handed to Norfolk farmer Tony Martin.

Earlier this week, Coun Walker, chairman of Cleveland Police Authority and Labour leader of Middlesbrough Borough Council, said the sentencing of Martin for shooting dead a teenage burglar was nonsensical.

He said the law had treated Martin in the same way as mass murderer Dr Harold Shipman, and demanded that the Government act immediately.

He said: "It's clear from the public reaction to the Tony Martin case that there is a real danger that the law will be brought into disrepute unless the Government acts to deal with the rights of people to defend themselves and their homes, and the need to fight crime and protect the public in rural areas."

Mr Hague, who is also Richmondshire MP, pledged a Conservative Government would rebalance the justice system in favour of those who try to protect their families and homes.

In a letter to The Northern Echo yesterday, Coun Walker accused Mr Hague of political opportunism, adding: "If there was an easy answer, why did not William Hague's party produce it during 18 years of power?"

Coun Walker said changes in the law must strike the balance between the control of firearms and the rights of citizens to protect themselves and their property.

Mr Hague's northern press officer said: "Ken Walker is clearly in a spin over his comments on Wednesday to The Northern Echo, when he backed William Hague over the Tony Martin case. Why would he support William Hague on Wednesday, only to criticise him on Thursday?"

Coun Walker was not available for comment last night.