'I know some of our political opponents will want to make capital out of this, but I'm quite used to it. At the end of the day, we've been able to offer the gay community a different perspective - more freedom, less state interference. That's distinct from the left-leaning agenda of much of the rest of the gay lobby. I am happy to say, however, that I leave Gay Conservatives more united, financially secure, bigger and influential than when I became Chairman. This is down to the hard work of the excellent team that I've had the fortune to lead.'

John Bowis MEP, President of Gay Conservatives, wished Mr Davenport the best of luck. 'Sadly you new position in Westminster means, understandably, your decision to move on from the Gay Conservatives chairmanship and I am of course very sorry about this but thank you for all you have achieved, which has been tremendous. You enabled us to break through the Iron Curtain of prejudice and position the Party in the field of tolerance and inclusiveness, where it should always belong.'

Charles Hendry MP, the Shadow Minister for Young People, offered his thanks for the support Mr Davenport had given in his work to help young gay men and lesbians: 'Thank you for the work you have done at Gay Conservatives and for the support you have given the Party in that role. Thank you in particular for your very kind comments in your resignation letter, which I much appreciated. I am sure we will have the chance to continue working together, but it has certainly helped me greatly in raising some of the issues I have done over recent months, to have such constructive and sensible support.'

Executive Committee officers at Gay Conservatives will meet shortly to approve an Acting Chairman, who will serve until the next Annual General Meeting.

In the last 2 years, Gay Conservatives have secured specialist group status with the Conservative Party, seen a strongly pro-gay policy agenda emerge, expanded membership and funds, developed professional member and media services and delivered a distinct agenda for the gay community based on freedom and independence.

Read James Davenport's Letter in Full

Dear John

At the end of this month, I shall be taking up new work commitments. Unfortunately, I will need to concentrate solely on this role in the lead-up to the general election, and I write to inform you that I am stepping down as Chairman of Gay Conservatives.

As the organisation's President for many years, you will be conscious of how far we - and the Party - have come in a short time. Today, our membership is up, our financial situation is strong, and we have been able to work productively with the Party to secure real change.

I have been Chairman of Gay Conservatives for about two years. In this time, we have gained affiliation to the Conservative Party with Specialist Group Status, seen major changes in the approach of the Party towards issues affecting the gay community, built a positive working relationship with senior members of the shadow cabinet and the front bench, developed an effective media presence and presented a credible Conservative account of gay rights.

Our relations with both the Party and the gay community are stronger than ever before. It has come as no surprise to me that, throughout this process, opposition has come - not from elements of the Conservative Party - but from the more extreme sections of the gay lobby. Sadly, some campaigners see gay rights not as a goal in themselves, but as a way of promoting their own political affiliations. For the first time, Gay Conservatives have given our community a real alternative to the left-wing approach: more freedom, less state interference.

I am proudest of our contribution to the important work of Charles Hendry MP on hate crime, health and support for voluntary organisations. His work is developing policies for the gay community that are badly needed. Labour have failed the gay community in these areas - voluntary groups struggle to exist under Labour, and hate crime and HIV continue to ruin the lives of too many in our community.

None of this work could have been done without the outstanding contribution of our committee officers and members. I would like to thank them for the work that they have done. I will continue to support the important work that Gay Conservatives do, and I offer my full support to my successor.

With best regards,

James Davenport.