Sir – I refer to the ongoing exchange of letters regarding the selection of the Conservative candidate for Richmond (in particular Linda Curran, D&S Letters, February 20).

She makes the argument that she was not given the opportunity to select Mr Sunak – I can only assume that she is therefore not a member of the local Conservative Party, and so not entitled to; that she is a member of the Conservative Party and chose not to vote (which would be her choice); or that she is a member of the Conservative Party and was outvoted for her preferred candidate (a fair way of settling things in a democracy).

This strikes me as entirely proper and in fitting with the system of parliamentary democracy we have. Otherwise what would prevent people who are actively seeking to undermine a political party attending the selection meeting of that rival party to deliberately vote for a weaker candidate?

I am personally a member of neither UKIP, Conservatives, Greens, Labour or the Liberal Democrats. This is precisely why I was not involved in selecting any of their candidates. As for my democratic choice, this comes for me – as it does for us all – on May 7 when we have a choice to decide between the seven available candidates.

For those who are unhappy with the decisions of members from the five Richmondshire political parties, I have only one suggestion – either join them, or start your own party or group. Both are somewhat admirable choices but complaint without due consideration does not do justice to a democratic parliamentary system hard fought and easily lost.

MARGARET HALE

Richmond.