THOSE who voted for Derek Borthwick as an Independent, are rightly angered that he has joined the Conservatives. (“Anger as councillor joins Conservatives”, Daily Echo, 11 May).

They voted for him as an Independent candidate – not as a Conservative.

If Councillors (and MPs for that matter) decide to change their allegiance they should first resign and submit themselves to the electorate for re-election.

It is more than likely that, had Mr Borthwick stood as a Conservative candidate, he would not have been elected.

He has, in effect, betrayed those who voted for him.

ROBERT READMAN, Bournemouth