I WAS interested to read in The Press of September 11 of the defection of Helen Douglas to the Conservatives and her reasons.

As a Conservative, I am delighted to see her defect and I endorse her view that Labour nationally lack vision. Locally it is great to see that she agrees with the views of Conservative councillors that the Local Plan is proposing far too much development for York; and that it is vital we see more homes and especially starter homes, but that we must protect York’s character.

However, most interesting was her opinion about how much contempt for local residents Labour appears to have and the fact that Labour councillors cannot do a petition without it being approved in advance by James Alexander.

This takes away any doubt that Labour councillors work for their party structure rather than York’s residents.

Matt Freckelton, Ogleforth, York.