Why is Conservative membership falling?

THERE is a long-overdue debate going on over Conservative Party membership, with those who have served the party for decades despairing at the lack of commitment people are prepared to show (Letters). I joined the party last year hoping to get involved, but all I got was a string of emails telling me how wonderful everything was or begging for money. Coming from a business background, I made some policy suggestions, which were ignored. I have not renewed my membership. Labour is contrary to everything I believe in, but it has managed to connect with people and so has seen its membership explode. DAVID G. ROSE, Leominster, Herefordshire.

IT IS no surprise to me that Tory Party membership has dropped from three million in 1950 to 70,000 today (Mail). People will not join if constituency party members have no control over the selection of their MP. The MP in Hexham hasn’t a clue why Conservative families, entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, property owners and businesses in North-East England have been hit by tax policies decided in London. No wonder real Conservatives have left and the young see no ideas to entice them. RODNEY ATKINSON, Stocksfield, Northumberland.

IN 1961, when I joined the West Lewisham Conservative Association, millions of ordinary folk were active in Conservative Associations around the country and there was a steady stream of enthusiasts to stand for councils and Parliament. But after Margaret Thatcher, things changed. The likes of John Major, William Hague and David Cameron became leaders of the party and the Young Conservatives and Monday Club were accused of being too Right-wing. The party I grew up in has been destroyed by its own leaders. J. PRITCHARD, Ingatestone, Essex.

THOUSANDS joined the Labour Party when Jeremy Corbyn took over — nothing to do with the £3 supporter’s fee, I suppose! Most people can afford such a small amount, while it costs £25 to join the Conservative Party.

MARILYN ANDERTON, London SE6.