I refer to Nicholas Franks’ recent letter regarding the ‘coffin incident’ outside MP Sarah Wollaston’s Totnes office and broadly agree that it was unpleasant.

However, I find it impossible to agree with his statement that “the large majority in our constituency voted to put Dr. Wollaston into Parliament”.

At the last general election, 53.7 per cent voted for her and 46.3 per cent didn’t.

The turnout was 73.4 per cent, which means that only 39.4 per cent of the Totnes electorate actually voted for her. The 26.6 per cent who didn’t vote are probably not natural Tory voters and/or are apathetic about politics and/or are disenfranchised by our unfit-for-purpose voting system.

The main reason why this is a ’safe’ seat for the Tories is that opposition is split between three or four other parties. None of those votes are counted anywhere.

In fact, in this constituency, an astonishing 72 per cent of the votes were wasted – ie they had no effect on the outcome and were, essentially, pointless.

This is an appalling indictment of our voting system which is in urgent need of reform to a proportional system where all votes, more or less, will be counted and translated into Parliamentary seats.

I have great respect for Dr Wollaston – she is a fine MP – but can only claim to represent 39.4 per cent of her electorate in Parliament.

Laurie Taylor

Collapark, Totnes