Mr Mackay's decision to stand down at the next General Election

11.03.44pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 25th May 2009

Although Andrew Mackay's downfall was entirely of his own making, he clearly misjudged the mood of his constituents and the support he thought he enjoyed within the Conservative Party.

Mr Mackay deserves some credit however for the service he has given to the constituency over 27 years, even if the manner of his demise will almost certainly overshadow his achievements and the help that he was able to give to many individuals.

Mr Mackay's decision to stand down at the next General Election, rather than immediately, nevertheless begs the question of whether this is really in the best interests of the constituency or the Conservative Party.

Without the continuing support of either his colleagues or his constituents it will be difficult for Mr Mackay to perform his parliamentary and constituency duties effectively. In such circumstances a by-election would offer the most appropriate way of ensuring that the interests of the constituency were properly represented.

Although the Conservative Party would obviously not welcome a by-election at this time, electors need to be allowed to express their views through the ballot box and a by-election should be held at the earliest opportunity.

Ray Earwicker

Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bracknell