I WOULD like to respond to your article concerning the resignation of Gordon Campbell Thomas from the Labour Party (March 20).

In the article you reprinted some earlier comments I made when Mr Campbell Thomas threatened to resign in which I said that "it was not surprising that Labour Party members had different views about Iraq and that they are free to express them."

I regret however that I was not asked to comment following the actual resignation.

It is a great regret to the Labour Party in York when any member resigns, whatever the issue. However, it is important the electors of York understand the context of the resignation of Mr Campbell Thomas and his intention to stand against Labour on May 1.

Your article referred to Mr Campbell Thomas as a 'party stalwart'. This is not the case. Mr Campbell Thomas rejoined the Labour party in the mid Nineties, after being a member of the Green party.

Since his return Mr Campbell Thomas has been an active member along with many others. Many of those members remain in the party in spite of their concerns about the current international situation. They do so because they believe that on May 1 it will be Labour which offers the best policies and leadership for the future of the city.

A vote against Labour on May 1 will regrettably not change the situation in Iraq, but it may let in a party which will damage the bright future for York founded on the excellent record of the Labour council since 1995.

David Ellis,

City of York Labour Party,

Holgate Road, York.

Updated: 10:19 Monday, March 24, 2003