I am a lifelong Conservative and have voted for no other party. I was appalled by the announcement of Jenny Barnard-Langston, my local Conservative councillor, that she had left the party to join the Liberal Democrats.

Like many others locally, I deplored her actions but, today, I am saddened. I, too, am likely to resign my membership of the party because of recent events.

The leadership of the Conservative Party nationally is a disgrace and locally is non-existent. It distresses me to say I may well never vote Conservative again. I expressed very strong views at the time of Jenny's defection but am increasingly aware she may well have had insights into the party many of us were not privy to.

I hope with all my heart Jenny will decide to remain in politics, for she alone has shown the courage of her convictions and braved the herd instinct to follow her true beliefs. I am only sorry I was among the many critics at the time.

As I see it, the Conservative Party as I know it is doomed - and I take no pleasure in expressing that view. Count on me, Jenny, and I am sure I am not alone. I am desperately sorry the antics of the Conservative Party have been the reason for my own apparent disloyalty but I am left with no choice.

-Mrs O Butler, The Drive, Hove