MAY I point out to D Smith (EA Letters Jan 22) that changing one's loyalties is the democratic right of every person in this country, it happens at every election from the parish councils through to the national.

Yes, Peter Mallinson changed his beliefs some years ago and has been an active and valued member of the Labour Party ever since and will make an excellent councillor for the people of Walcot.

Laura Holliday resigned for entirely different reasons. In The Times on Saturday there was an article entitled Desperate Tory wives find that they can no longer stand by their men. This was not the case with Laura Holliday, in fact it was just the opposite.

She stood by her man when some leading members of his party deserted him. I admire her for this. At least she had the courage to resign and not cross the floor as the local Liberal Democrat councillor for Central did recently and, may I also add, the Member of Parliament for Wantage.

Winston Churchill changed his allegiances many times, but was he thought of any the less for this?

Come on Mr Smith, put your pen down and put yourself up, Swindon is always looking for men of action.

D BENFIELD

Covingham, Swindon