I am very distressed by the state of the Conservative Party nationally.

In a democracy one needs to have a strong such party for axiomatic reasons.

However, a party that is living with a 19th-Century mentality, which fears inevitable change - whether it is Europe, single mothers, the lesbian and gay lifestyle or a genuine multi-cultural society - harms itself and progress generally.

Thank goodness there are men such as Edward Heath, Ken Clarke and Chris Patten still left in the party.

Whatever our political persuasion, I feel we must encourage praise, if need be, for such people and hope, after the General Election, they gain ascendancy once more.

The alternative I fear to contemplate.

-Malcolm Martindale, Scarborough Drive, Brighton