I CONFESS that in 2015 I was sceptical about the Conservative candidate Rishi Sunak, who seemingly dropped into a safe Tory seat with no obvious background that would make him a good MP for our predominantly rural constituency.

How could he fill the boots of his well-known and wellliked predecessor William (now Lord) Hague?

In the space of two years, I think he has made a damn good fist of it.

He has made his home here with his young family and got involved in the local community.

I understand from people that know about these things that he has got a good grasp of farming issues.

He seems to throw himself into local matters - like the long-running sore of Northallerton’s level crossings - and gets results - like the signs for Wensleydale on the new A1.

Most importantly, he is very active and accessible and is seen all round the constituency.

Just last Sunday he was among the hundreds of people who took part in the Northallerton 10k and it was lovely to see his family cheering him across the line. Instinctively, I am not a natural Conservative voter but I will be giving him my vote on June 8.

Jane Saunders, Romanby, Northallerton