WE have a Liberal Democrat from Durham City, Mark Wilkes, who has been selected to be the party’s prospective parliamentary candidate for the Bishop Auckland constituency (Echo, Sept 29).

He has never done anything for this constituency in the past and if he had been any good he would have been representing his own area – Durham.

Everyone knows Sam Zair, who has worked tirelessly for the area, ought to have been elected.

He has served the constituency better than anyone over the last 40 years. He, along with others, has now resigned from the Lib Dems and become an Independent Liberal.

The bunch of clowns responsible for the selection of Mark Wilkes ought to be ashamed of themselves.

When the local Labour party heard what the Lib Dems had done they probably held a celebration party.

Mr Wilkes will not get enough votes to cover his deposit.

Bishop Auckland’s current MP Helen Goodman has been a disaster for our area, having done nothing other than rack up a long list of expenses.

When she should have backed Bishop Auckland hospital in Parliament she was notable for her silence.

Where does this leave us?

Sam Zair Independent Liberal doesn’t have to follow any party line.

He is a local man, genuine and sincere, and he will listen to anyone’s problems and represent all constituents equally.

All we need now is for all genuine Liberals and people from our constituency of all political beliefs to show their support and if we can encourage him to enter the fray as an Independent Liberal he will win by a landslide.

A Marley, Butterknowle.