THE 550 or so paid-up members of the Conservative Party in Thirsk and Malton must now decide on the fate of Anne McIntosh as the Conservative candidate for the next election.

Ms McIntosh has undeniably divided opinion, but I hope it’s not too late to appeal to the rational side of the membership. This is not a popularity contest, however much it seems to be just that.

What is at issue is whether the members think such a controversial candidate can carry the constituency in the face of what will probably be a well-organised and effective campaign by UKIP.

There has never been such an attractive proposition to attract wavering Conservative voters than UKIP has right now.

The biggest question for the 550 is not: “Do you like her?” but: “Do you think she’s the best bet to win an election?” There may well be a far better candidate who can unite the party and wider constituency.

The local party needs to pick a winning candidate, not simply a conclusion to this divisive argument in either direction.

If Ms McIntosh is not that, she has to go, whatever the personal take on her performance thus far.

After all, being an MP is not a guaranteed job for life.

David Hoggard, Malton.
 

• OVER the past few months I have received various missives for or against selecting Anne McIntosh MP as the candidate for Thirsk and Malton at the General Election.

I have a sense of deja vu in that this is a re-run of the attempt at de-selection before the last election.

Anne was reselected and the executive was replaced with her supporters. As a consequence of her reselection, and possibly disenchantment with the present Government, many loyal members cancelled their subscriptions and played no further part in the association.

I am wondering, therefore, what lessons Anne has learned from the fact that 11 chairmen have been unable to work with her, and what it is that is driving her to attempt to cling on as the Member of Parliament in the teeth of opposition?

Whatever happens as a result of the ballot, there will be a lot of ill-feeling and division in the constituency.

I also wonder what kind of democratic organisation I have been supporting for more than 60 years when the governing body can deny an open and frank discussion of the issues.

R M Robinson Watergate Farm, Sutton.