Pam Farley (June 16) was critical of candidates changing their political colour.

I am one of those candidates in Southend who left the Lib Dems to join the Independent group and helped Paul Van Looy to his victory.

I changed because the Lib Dems were failing to oppose the ludicrous policies of the Tory administration on Southend Council and because any letters I wrote to the media had to be passed through the Lib Dem executive.

Now, as an Independent, I can write as I feel.

Let me also respond to Carol Ashley (June 16), who claimed voters didn’t know what Independents stood for.

In Thorpe ward, where she said she did her “survey”, Independent Ron Woodley had a majority of 2,058 over the Tory candidate, which shows numerous residents understood the Independents’ policies.

Brian Ayling
Ennismore Gardens
Southend