John Haran is right to remind us David Amess believes he represents a safe seat (June 12).

This much was clear in July 2008 when he was one of the MPs who blocked reform of the “John Lewis list” element of MPs’ expenses.

MPs voting this way had to be convinced public opinion would not bring about the end of their career.

Mr Haran also notes Labour voters were hard to find in the recent local and European elections.

This has little influence on the fate of David Amess.

Labour has only finished second in Southend West in three elections since the 1950s. In the other nine a Liberal or Liberal Democrat came second.

When David Amess ran from Basildon, he came close to defeat here. Nina Stimson, the Liberal Democrat candidate, finished only 5.7per cent behind Amess.

Peter Welch
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesman for Southend West
Leigh Road
Leigh