WHAT’S it all about?

Scarborough MP Robert Goodwill stated in the Guardian that Anne McIntosh MP has been seen around the agricultural shows this year for the first time in 17 years. This is completely untrue.

I know that she has attended Rosedale, Farndale and Ryedale shows regularly over the past seven years, as well as many more.

As Ryedale district councillor for the Dales ward for the past seven years, I know that there is nothing Anne likes better than muddy shoes and a bit of banter with the farmers in my ward, at the marts and the shows. She is totally committed to the farming community and keen to use any occasion, such as local shows, to chat with them and find out if there is anything she can do to help them.

I am not alone in wondering why she has been deselected. I cannot understand it and neither do many of my constituents, or those in the wider area who I have spoken to.

The Conservative Association committee decided that members wanted someone else and went all out to get rid of Anne come what may, but no one has given any of us, whether that is ordinary member of the association or her constituent a found reason why.

This continued campaign against a hardworking, dedicated MP who works hard not just in Westminster, but in the local area at grass roots level, is unfair and represents a small minority leaving the rest of us wondering what’s it all about?

Janet Frank, Ryedale District councillor, Dales ward.