Thank you for your letter dated 16th July, which was first seen by me this morning.

I am replying promptly as you request but I have naturally therefore only had a very short time to read and consider the points you have made.

I would like to make two observations on the information you have sent:

1.  Page 2 of your document section 2 b) refers to "a Conservative Councillor seeking re-election in May in a marginal ward"—I would be grateful if you could note that Mr … was not at that time a Councillor and was therefore not seeking re-election. He was a candidate and also my Association Chairman.

2.  Page 7 of your report refers to Martin Salter's comments that I had press released my complaint about his Parliamentary report. This is true but I made a conscious effort not to pre-judge the outcome of your deliberations, merely pointing out that as the complaint had been made to me, I had referred it to you for an impartial judgement. This is in marked contrast to the comments made in the Labour Party leaflet I sent to you. I have attached a copy of my press release for your information.

I am grateful for the acknowledgement of the DFA that I sought and followed their guidance and I look forward to reading your full report with interest.

19 July 2007