Has Nigel Evans stolen my franchise?

I go off for a fortnight’s holiday and when I return I discover we no longer have a duly-elected Conservative MP, with a 14,000 majority but an independent backbencher. Did I miss a by-election?

It appears Mr Evans has resigned as Deputy Speaker, but not as an MP. Surely Mr Evans is innocent until proven guilty, so why resign as Deputy Speaker?

Did Mr Cameron instigate his own kangaroo court and did it go so far as to require Mr Evans not to have any connection with the Conservative Party until the whole matter is resolved, hence his independent status?

Greater love has no man than he lay down his friends for his life!

Meanwhile, the chairman of the local Conservative Party appears on the regional news to say, I think I have the gist of it, that despite wearing this independant badge Mr Evans remains a Conservative in all but name. What!

Or, call me an old cynic, could it be Mr Evans is taking the opportunity to distance himself from any culpability for the despoilment of the Ribble Valley.

Moreover with his new priorities – tackling over-development and saving rural bus services – is he looking to ensure his re-election next time round as an independent? Perhaps the local Conservatives are happy to see that happen rather than the alternative?

Have the Conservatives in the Ribble Valley an ill-disguised contempt for the electorate, are they trying to flog us a Trojan horse?

Sean Gallagher,

Brockhall Village