THE local UkipKIP spokesperson (Letters, August 28) suggests that the political parties in the council chamber are only interested in carrying out the policies of their party hierarchy.

In so far as it applies to me, this is nonsense and made without any evidence.

Yes, I was elected as a Conservative. I have been at various times and on various authorities since 1970 and not once have I been pressured by the so-called party hierarchy to carry out any policies whatsoever.

The groups I have been a member of and those I have attended as a party agent have always defined their own policies, agreed and supported by its members. It should come as no surprise that Conservative councillors support their own party in power, but this is always with a free will.

As a councillor, I work hard for my ward and the city. The electorate in my ward have shown their confidence in me for two elections. I hope I can continue to get their support – but I have to earn it not just as Conservative but as a dedicated ward councillor.

I don’t promise anything I can’t deliver; doing so would betray the support I get from residents. We can’t have alleverything we want all the time. To believe otherwise is the route to insanity and anarchy.

Councillor John Galvin, Bishopthorpe ward, Bridge Road, Bishopthorpe, York.