People’s choice

Many people would agree with George K McMillan’s view (Letters, 14 March) that MPs elected under a party banner should re-submit themselves for election if they leave that party.

Unfortunately, they are all returned as independent members regardless of party affiliation, so they are perfectly entitled to remain in office as such.

If Eric Joyce deserves to be removed from office it should be on grounds of behaviour deemed to render him unfit for office. That should be a decision not for politicians at whatever level, but for all the member’s constituents, whether or not they voted for him or his party; he represents all of them.

There ought to be a means whereby electorates can petition for the removal of a sitting member if they are dissatisfied with his or her performance on whatever grounds.

Robert Dow

Ormiston Road

Tranent, East Lothian