Sir Bob Russell (Letters, May 1) accused me of twisting the words he used in his letter to the residents of Shrub End ward.

In fact, I quoted his exact words in the letter I drafted for the Gazette, and which was signed by a large number of local candidates from all parties, except the Lib Dems. The names of the signatories were given to me by leading members of each party.

I also published a full copy of Sir Bob’s letter on my campaign website. I felt it was important for all Colchester residents to be able to judge the whole letter for themselves.

Unfortunately, I was asked to remove the letter from my website after a complaint from the Lib Dem election agent. His grounds for the censorship were that the leaflet was promoted by him and not by me, and I wasn’t within my rights to reproduce it.

So, I invite Sir Bob and the agent, Mr Howell, to publish their controversial election literature online for all Colchester residents to see.

Only then will residents in every ward be able to make their own minds up – based on the actual words Sir Bob and his candidates have written. I think that would be great for local democracy.

Ben Locker
Bergholt Road
Colchester