IN Helen Goodman we have a first class MP for the Bishop Auckland constituency: dedicated, hard-working and effective, but with a small majority.

As a Liberal/LibDem councillor for Bishop Auckland for 40 years, now a member of the Labour Party, I would urge anyone thinking of voting LibDem this time not to do so.

A vote for the LibDems here in Bishop Auckland would let the Tory in. Do we really want another five years of Tory austerity and cuts to public services?

Despite their denials, the Tories would sell off the NHS to the Americans. Forced to accept a Trump deal, we would have to import chlorinated chicken from the US.

Only two parties can form a government at this election: Tories or Labour. You choose.

Chris Foote Wood, Eggleston