Sir, – Regarding the de-selection of Yarm ward councillor Jennie Beaumont (D&S, Jan 28), should we really be surprised she’s the latest Tory councillor to be knifed in the back by her own side? The Tories in Stockton South have been at war with themselves since the mid 1990s.

First, they ditched Gwen Porter and Andrew Sherris – the latter going on to fight against his own party in 1995 and 1999 before somehow getting back in with them and surviving their latest cull.

Then they go on to ditch popular and hard working Coun Marjorie Simpson – fortunately now taking this mob on as an Independent on Yarm Town Council. Now the Tories ditch two out of three existing Yarm ward councillors – Jackie Earl and Jennie Beaumont – the latter after 30 years’ service to her party.

Coun Beaumont may be claiming she wasn’t bothered in the end – but fails to mention she appealed against her de-selection tooth and nail.

Coun Beaumont must be the only councillor to have had a monument built to her record already. Yes, it’s those dreadful mini houses built just inches from the bend in the road at Kirklevington, which she so badly failed to champion local people’s concerns on. I understand that stretch of road has become known as “Beaumont’s bend”. The house currently held up with scaffolding following the accident everyone warned was waiting to happen is a fitting tribute.

SIMON TRANTER Bulmer Close, Yarm.