Similar to many people within the communities of both Shenely and Borehamwood, I was shocked and saddened at the decision of the Conservative Party hierarchy to deselect Rosemary Gilligan from the seat she has held for 13 years.

I have known the Gilligan family for more than 30 years and her father and mother were both personal friends of my wife and myself, despite the fact we were on opposite sides of the political spectrum.

This sudden deselection is even more difficult to comprehend when considered in the context of the dedication and the position Rosemary’s late father and mother held within the Conservative Party in Hertsmere.

Tim Gilligan, a former colonel who served in the second World War, was also deputy leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, a former mayor and when he retired from the council he became Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire and latterly was honoured by Her Majesty the Queen with the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

During the period of the previous 40 years, his home became an important and exclusive part of the fundraising activities of Hertsmere Conservative Association, with many events held and attended by those who have now delivered such a damning judgement on his daughter.

Now Rosemary is on her own coming to terms with this humiliating denunciation within the community in which she lives by those she had the right to believe were her political allies and friends, will render added credence to the public’s perception of the sinister machinations even within local politics.

UKIP, which came second at the elections last year in Shenely, is officially withdrawing its candidate this year in favour of promoting the opportunity and the right of Rosemary Gilligan, now choosing to stand as an Independent candidate, to be judged on the merit of having been elected last year by the people who live in that community and who may desire to retain her as their local champion and councillor, irrespective of which party she represents.

We require to demonstrate some modicum of integrity and decorum if we are to retain the respect and trust of those we desire to cast their votes.

Frank Ward

Chairman and parliamentary candidate Hertsmere UKIP