THE departure from the election race for York Outer of Nick Emmer-son shows a party in disarray.

The party has been unable to explain this decision. Could it be that Mr Emmerson has finally decided to move to Hong Kong as he planned when he stood for Parliament in Selby? Or has he realised that he has no realistic prospect of success?

The national Liberal Democrats have identified York Outer as a priority so it’s hardly a good start.

Disillusioned voters who didn’t vote for cuts to almost every public service have only one credible alternative and that is to vote Labour.

Ian Panter, Whenby Grove, Huntington, York.