Sir, – Reference the letter “Feeling betrayed” by Mr R Wegg (D&S, Dec 12)

Firstly, I have been in politics for many years and have never heard of the expression "deselected candidate”. A candidate for election lasts for approximately two months from the beginning of an election period to the final poll results after which the candidate becomes a councillor or is unsuccessful. It is normal practise to select candidates shortly before an election takes place.

In this case, possible borough council candidate options were discussed by Yarm Independent Association (YIA) using previous election voting results. Mr Wegg was the only member present who disagreed with this format. However, as he gave the impression it was imperative that he was a candidate for the Yarm and Kirklevington Ward, I offered to remove myself from selection and allow him to go forward. No further decisions were made at the November meeting and the matter was put on hold until mid-January when we intended to reconvene to finalise selection.

Mr Sherris has been an excellent Yarm Town and Stockton Borough councillor. For some unknown reason he has been usurped by inexperienced and unknown candidates from within his current party. Whilst YIA has discussed the possibility of Mr Sherris joining us, I understand that he has also had invitations from other parties including UKIP, Labour and LibDem.

To date, he has made no declaration of his intent. Indeed, due to having been critically attacked by Mr Wegg over his assumed intentions, I wonder if he even entertains the idea of joining YIA? It is also feasible he may not stand at the May 2015 elections. If so, this would be a great shame and many residents, particularly the more elderly and vulnerable, would be disadvantaged by the loss of his capable experience and support.

What I do know for certain is that he will always put people before politics. This is also the very foundation of YIA.

Like others, Mr Wegg’s monetary contribution to the association was voluntary and not compulsory. It was accepted as a “no strings attached” donation which has enabled us to spend extra annual expenses on facilities that enhanced our association.

In conclusion, there was no intention by YIA to deselect Mr Wegg as a town councillor whilst also considering him for selection as a ward councillor in Stockton Borough along with others. It would seem that Mr Wegg’s letter indicates he has his own agenda, unknown to YIA, appearing contrary to our strategic aims, thinking and direction.

YIA remains committed to serve all residents of Yarm ignoring mainstream party politics in the process, thereby ensuring a fair deal for all. It is regarded as essential that we, as Association members, remain selfless in all of our decisions.

MARJORIE SIMPSON

Mayes Walk, Yarm.