It has come to something when Conservative councillor Will Quince can write to the Gazette (November 4) to complain that I, a Liberal Democrat MP, voted in the same Commons lobby as (a) the leader of the Conservative Party and (b) the majority of Conservative MPs.

We operate what is known as representative democracy in this country.

Along with the Prime Minister David Cameron and the majority of Conservative MPs, and also the Labour leader and most Labour MPs, the Commons took the view the motion on the European Union was not one which would be in Britain’s best interests.

I recognise some people disagree with this, but noting councillor Quince’s letter was published alongside one making the same point as him from Harry Royle, whom I respect, a well-known member of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), then perhaps he should follow the example of former Prettygate Conservative councillor Ron Levy, who did the honest thing and joined UKIP.

Bob Russell
MP for Colchester
Wimpole Road
Colchester