TONY Hooke talks about the terrible state of the NW Hants UKIP branch. How ridiculous!

Before his arrival it was recognised as one of the most stable and reliable of branches, useful and effective ever since UKIP started in 1994.

He couldn’t wait to grab the helm shortly after joining the party and the branch. He was determined to get there,whatever it took.

It has been run down only under his chairmanship as he belittled the efforts of others.

He can only congratulate himself on his ‘achievement’.

But he has not succeeded in breaking it. Others respect the rules, the democratic procedures, and the aim of UKIP to secure the freedom of this country. The members now know that he does not; the activists are jubilant.

The branch, free of his control, has resurged immediately and strongly, putting in place Sue Perkins as candidate for the general election.

Sue, from Hampshire but untainted by association with Tony, is a worthy choice with a happy knack of quickly grasping what is said to her, what is needed, and how to deal with it, as was demonstrated at a meeting I chaired last week.

The branch, free of Tony and his acolytes, is solidly behind her, and if NW Hampshire is wise enough to elect her, Andover will feel a real benefit.

UKIP has no need to engage in knocking politics, whether of other parties or other people, as was Tony’s way.

But it is necessary to refute his silly statements.

I, as the chairman Tony displaced, wish the revived branch and its candidate, Sue, every success.

Dr John Bentham, Woolton Hill, Newbury