Reports about “dirty tricks” in Thirsk and Malton Conservative Association misrepresent the truth – to the extent that some media outlets have published the shameless spin put out by supporters of Anne McIntosh.

Every action Major Peter Steveney and his colleagues have ever taken in relation to the makeup of the association’s executive (which voted not to re-select Miss McIntosh in January 2013) was done in good faith and under advice from regional and, later, national officials.

When the party board asked them in July to re-form the executive, they could certainly have challenged that ruling, but chose not to do so in the interest of bringing the re-selection issue to a conclusion.

Miss McIntosh then refused to accept a new executive, of which every member had been approved as legitimate by the party’s chief legal officer, hence the imposition of the ballot.

Why did she refuse to co-operate?

Because she knew the new executive would have voted again not to re-select her – and indeed that the tide of opinion across the membership of the association was running against her.

Mr Parkin, who published the secret party report on Miss McIntosh’s campaign website, as well as his own, is now likely to face party discipline – and that inquiry will no doubt establish whether Miss McIntosh sanctioned his actions.

Since the report is now in the public domain, let me point out that in fact it found no justification for disciplinary action against the association or Major Steveney and none was subsequently taken.

Following the postal ballot, the results of which were announced on Friday, January 31, Miss McIntosh was de-selected and will not represent the Thirsk and Malton Conservatives at the next General Election in 2015.

The executive committee will call a meeting to discuss the way forward.

James Holt President, Thirsk and Malton Conservatives