I AGREE with the sentiments of Cllr Brian Watson (Letters, October 14) regarding double standards in social media and the actions which resulted in David Smith feeling he had no option but to resign from his post at the Retreat.

Although I do not agree with some of the posts David submitted on Twitter, he should be able to feel free to criticise the local Labour group.

He separated his personal views from his employers by using a pseudonym online, as many Twitter users do.

There appear to be plenty of Labour supporters posting under aliases on the comments section of The Press website.

It is not an easy job being a councillor, and you regularly see councillors being mentioned and criticised on Twitter, so you can understand why at times some councillors find it overwhelming. But why has David been singled out: could it be due to his relationship with a Conservative councillor?

It is unusual for councillors to write to an individual’s employer to complain about their actions.

I would like to thank David for his determined campaigning on mental health issues and, whether professional or privately, I hope he continues to speak out.

Andrew Collingwood, Langwith Lane, York.