THE defections of MPs Carswell and Reckless are not unique and both are within their rights to change party allegiance.

But resigning and seeking re-election has not been enough to merit my respect. Both were elected by the efforts of the Tory activists in their constituencies.

General elections are hard work; pounding pavements with leaflets canvassing reluctant voters knocking out the vote on a 12-hour election day and then attending the count until the early hours.

I have been a Lib Dem activist for 30 years. Like me, Tory activists do it because of a belief in a party and what it stands for. They will naturally be disappointed when their MP abandons their party.

However the worst part is that Carswell and Reckless chose the most embarrassing time for the Tory Party to announce their resignations.

Their Tory former foot soldiers deserved better than this deliberate kick in the teeth.

Brian Dash, address supplied.