Lib Dem leader Tim Farron tries to shake the hand of voter who is wearing a sling
Farron apparently did not realise the voter had hurt himself when they met in a cafe in Greater Manchester
BUMBLING Tim Farron was left red-faced today after he tried to shake hands with a voter - only to realise the man was wearing a sling on his arm.
The Lib Dem leader was on the campaign trail in Greater Manchester when he made the embarrassing blunder.
He visited a class on digital skills for older people in Stockport, the morning after he took part in an ITV debate with four other minor party leaders.
Mr Farron has become known for his bizarre gaffes as his profile has risen during the General Election campaign.
He was caught on camera apparently telling a voter to "smell my spaniel", and got embroiled in a passionate row with a Brexit supporter.
The formerly little-known MP was also repeatedly forced to deny that he believes gay sex is a sin because of his evangelical Christian views.
Speaking while he campaigned in the North-West, Mr Farron hit out at Conservative plans to reform social care.
The Tories have pledged to allow people requiring care to keep at least £100,000 of their savings and to stay in their homes while they are alive.
But the Lib Dem leader said: "The most appalling thing in the Conservative manifesto is this unspeakable dementia tax.
"For the first time you'll be asked to cash in your home when it comes to paying for your care and your treatment.
"And the worst thing, to my mind - let's say you're the wife of a husband who has to go into a nursing home because of dementia, the reality is your house, the house that you still live in, the family home, will have to be cashed in now under the Tories' heartless dementia tax.
"That's absolutely appalling. It's a specific attack on those who end up getting dementia. If you have dementia, the Tories are coming for you."
Mr Farron's party has failed to make the poll breakthrough expected by many, remaining stranded below 10 per cent.
He has repeatedly promised a second EU referendum in a bid to attract Remain voters in liberal urban areas.