I am writing as a long-standing member of the Conservative Party who, together with my wife, voted in the recent ballot to re-adopt Anne McIntosh as our candidate for Thirsk and Malton for the 2015 General Election.

If, as a result of her de-selection, a Liberal Democrat or UKIP candidate is elected next year, then the blame for this will be entirely due to the activities of Major Peter Steveney, Victor Buchanan and their friends and cronies.

Their actions in recent months can only be described as disgraceful.

Anne McIntosh has been an excellent MP, both at constituency level and at Westminster.

She deserves our support next year in whatever capacity she stands as a parliamentary candidate.

Name and address supplied