SIR: Peter Thurnham's recent defection from the Conservative Party is a complete sham. Some time ago he publicly announced to Bolton constituents that he would not be seeking re-election for one of the most marginal seats in the country 'for family reasons'.

He was subsequently so disillusioned with the Conservative Party that he applied for the very safe seat of Westmorland and Lonsdale, whose MP retires at the next General Election but only resigned the whip and became independent after finding he was unsuccessful in this quest.

My sympathies are with his long-suffering Bolton constituents, and the Liberal Democrats who have accepted him.

Marlene Winward

Chorley Road, Blackrod

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