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		Rebuttal - Letter to the Editor Derby Evening Telegraph - Monday 10th October 2005 Dear Sir, You say that I "would consider it a point of principle to leave the Conservative Party if Ken Clarke became leader" (Editorial comment, October 8th). In fact I said no such thing. What I said was that I should have difficulty reconciling myself to a Clarke leadership. Various mischief-makers have accused me from time to time of planning to leave the Conservative Party, and I have said before, and say again, that I have always been a Conservative and expect, sooner or later, to die as a Conservative. You compare me to Robert Kilroy Silk, which would be offensive if it were not ridiculous. And you say I am letting down Tory voters. But I was elected as a prominent euro-sceptic, by predominantly euro-sceptic voters, and it is precisely for that reason that I should be uncomfortable with a Clarke leadership. You might be wise to leave your strictures until the leadership is decided. If I were a betting man, I should certainly not be putting money on Ken. David Cameron looks like the current favourite, and I should be happy and proud to serve under his leadership. Yours faithfully Roger Helmer East Midlands Conservative MEP