IT SEEMS William Moore thinks ex-Labour councillors David Horton and Tracey Simpson-Laing could do no wrong and should not be allowed to be criticised in any way; certainly not by the likes of me. (Letters, May 19). He says they were active in “serving” the needs of Acomb, whereas I was not.

Well quite apart from the fact this is supposed to be a free country where citizens have the right to comment on the conduct of those in power, there is one huge difference between us.

Mr Horton and Ms Simpson-Laing were aspiring politicians who put themselves forward for those duties and pounded those pavements in pursuit of votes. When elected they claimed all their allowances and expenses in representing that ward.

I, by contrast, am a mere taxpaying architect of this parish on the other side of the city; taking no money from the public purse and not seeking to represent Acomb on the city council.

Matthew Laverack, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York.