In your article on the "New generation of Tories" (The Argus, March 15), David Gold, the Conservative candidate for Brighton Pavilion, says "the suggestion the average age of the Tory Party is over 65 was true five years ago but I don't think that's the case now".

He's right. According to a national newspaper survey last month,

the average age of Conservative members is 59, with 70 per cent of their membership now over 55.

More than half of Tory members are retired and only 15 per cent are under 44, compared with 28 per cent of Labour Party members such as myself.

The Tories featured may be gay, under 50, have red hair or be Iron Maiden fans but they are very much the exception.

The Tory Party is an ageing male leopard that has not and will not change its spots.

These people are signed up to a party that did nothing but harm to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) communities during 18 years in office and very little to improve the life opportunities for women.

They are signed up to a party that promised in February to cut spending on public services by £30 billion.

That includes cutting £2 billion from the NHS, £2 billion from schools, £900 million from the police, £600 million from public transport and £400 million from housing.

Cuts in spending on schools and healthcare will hit women and families hardest. If these people come asking for your vote, ask them to defend these plans rather than their taste in music or hair colour.

-Lis Telcs, women's officer for Brighton Kemptown Labour Party