I was indeed saddened to read that Jeremy Zeid, chairman of Harrow UKIP, has resigned over his remarks about Barack Obama, (‘Former candidate defends call to kidnap US president’, Harrow Times, April 2).

Many may share his views, (although not the language), in private, but would not dare to utter them in public.

In any case, these were private exchanges not for public consumption.

It is unfortunate that race, colour, party affiliation, personality and religion can override people’s concerns about the NHS, overseas aid, housing, transport, environment, employment, university fees and the EU, which should be the criteria when voting for a particular candidate.

Jeremy has contributed so much throughout the decades. If he decides to hang up his boxing gloves, it will indeed be a sad loss as we should appreciate honest opinion, even if from time to time we may not agree with it.

This is the essence of real democracy, progress, peace and prosperity and a true sign of our open and fair democracy.

Bhupendra M Gandhi

via email