SIR: I find it incredible that Peter Thurnham MP has betrayed the people of Bolton who have always supported him. He has now defected to the Liberal Democratic Party which, until recently, he has always opposed.

Only last year at fund-raising events Mr Thurnham praised John Major's leadership and criticised the policies of the opposition parties. It is now bizarre to hear his comments against a very capable and highly principled Prime Minister who has brought this country back to the most envied country in the world.

Look at the prosperity and the transformation of Bolton town centre that the Labour councillors boast about so often. This didn't happen under a Labour Government and would decline again if Labour or Liberals ever got into power.

Now the voters of Bolton North East have a very enthusiastic and capable young man in Robert Wilson and I feel he will do a good job despite a Labour Council.

Nevertheless ,if the Boundary Commission's decision had been different for Mr Thurnham's area, he would still be there as a Conservative!

C Adams, Brook Street, Farnworth

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