AS A life-long Labour voter, I can understand Helen Douglas being disillusioned with this current council under James Alexander’s leadership; I am myself (The Press, September 11).

But to defect to the Conservatives because she agrees with their vision nationally is astounding. If she really believes in the bedroom tax, tax cuts for millionaires, nil wage rises for nurses, midwives, etc, further privatisation of the NHS and the massive increase in the use of food banks, then the Labour voters of York are well rid of her and the Conservatives are welcome to her.

Paul Gledhill, North Lane, Dringhouses, York .