NOT for the first time in your columns, Bob Waite (Letters, May 17) advances his bizarre theory that Rachael Maskell was “parachuted in” to contest the York Central seat in 2015 against the wishes of grassroots Labour Party members in the city.

As one who was actually involved in Rachael’s selection as a candidate, I can assure Bob that this notion could not be further from the truth.

Five strong candidates for selection spoke and answered questions at a crowded hustings meeting in which hundreds of party members took part.

In the subsequent vote, Rachael emerged as the clear winner because local Labour Party members decided that she was the one who could best represent the city in Parliament.

Since then, our trust in her has been amply repaid.

Having won the 2015 election with an increased majority, Rachael has shown herself to be an outstanding constituency MP. That is why she will win again on June 8.

Mark Gladwin, Huntington Road, York