Alex Salmond’s comment on the election was that the Scottish lion has roared. Well, I think that was a lioness in fact, Alex.

While I am not a supporter of the SNP, I think it is self evident that Nicola Sturgeon has been the most outstanding politician of this election and of the period since she became SNP leader.

The success of the SNP since the referendum I suggest was due to the change of leadership from Alex Salmond.

Sturgeon demonstrates an intelligent, articulate and passionate approach to the issues without resorting to the smug, cynical and often personal attacks on the rest of the UK political establishment which characterises Salmond’s performances.

Perhaps this success is entirely due to Sturgeon’s personal talent, but maybe the similarly impressive performances of Ruth Davidson, Caroline Lucas and Leanne Wood suggests that the electorate is welcoming the refreshing articulate dialogue that women are bringing to the debate rather than the bickering olitics that characterises the historical political leadership.

The success of Naz Shah overturning George Galloway’s 10,000 plus majority in Bradford and Andrea Jenkins in dismissing Ed Balls in Morley have contributed to the latest total of one third of MPs in this election being women. The electorate clearly does want a change.

Whose idea was it to get rid of such a talented and accomplished woman in Ryedale as Anne McIntosh?

Graham Davies, Malton