Although I profoundly disagree with you Kate, and find your analysis of the current situation within my Party incongruent with my own experience, I fundamentally support your right to express your opinion and, of course, join or leave whichever political party you choose.

I first voted for Labour in 1983, aged 18. I joined the Party in 1994, following the death of John Smith MP. I heard Blair speak in Edinburgh in 1996 and I became convinced that he was ‘the right person, in the right place, at the right time. I continued to support him throughout the invasion of Iraq and firmly believed that WMD, similar to those used against the marsh Arabs & the Iraqi Kurds, would be found.

Over time, as the facts emerged and the consequences of the invasion became clear, I began to have doubts about other key aspects of policy, such as PFI, the commitment to ongoing light touch regulation of financial services, and the outrageous flirtation with the Murdoch press.

Although I had my doubts about Miliband, I stuck with the Party right up until the day he decided that promoting a particularly jingoistic edition of The Sun newspaper would make an excellent photo opportunity. I cut my membership card in two and sent it back to Party HQ with a brief explanation as to why I had decided to leave.

I did, however, vote Labour in the 2015 general election; and when Labour lost, I was faced with a dilemma: should I finally turn my back on the Party which I had supported all my adult life? Or leave it behind and join a political party which better represented my core values & beliefs?

I decided to rejoin and vote in the the leadership election. I voted for Corbyn & Watson, with votes for other contenders as second & third preferences.

Buoyed by the Corbyn & Watson win, I decided to get involved in my local branch and support our local MP, Rachael Maskell. I am now membership secretary of my branch which has seen a steady influx of both young, enthusiastic members and former party members who deserted the Party under Brown & Blair.

I do not recognise the gloomy, despondent picture which you paint: in fact, in all my years as an active member, I have never witnessed such galvanised energy & momentum.

I truly hope that one day, you will return to the Party and help us take on the Tories.

In the meantime, if want to talk, I’m more than happy to chat.