Sir, – In a newspaper which proclaims itself to be independent of any political party it was disappointing to see a full page devoted to the Conservative Party general election candidate for Richmond. As similar treatment is not to be accorded to the other candidates we must assume that the editor is endorsing the Conservative Party candidate.

This may well backfire however as I suggest that an investment banker from the south of England is not the best person to represent the people of North Yorkshire, and his selection merely shows how out of touch the Tories are, together with their contempt for voters in the area.

Fortunately however it is the people who decide who will fill William Hague`s shoes, and not the D&S.

DENIS MCALLISTER

Leyburn.