I STOOD (as an independent) against Jim Paice MP in the 2010 general election.

One of my reasons for doing so was his strong support for the re-legalising of fox hunting, hare coursing and other so-called ‘sports’, which I oppose. I lost big time: he won again.

Today, I feel sorry for Mr Paice for his knowledge of farming affairs is very nearly unrivalled. His SE Cambridgeshire constituency supporters - many of whom are my friends - will also be sad.

Some may feel angry with the prime minister, too, for Mr Paice’s replacement is Liberal Democrat David Heath.

That will not go down well with the farming fraternity and may be regarded as yet another example of poor judgement on the part of Mr Cameron.

GEOFFREY WOOLLARD

River Bank

Upware

Via e-mail