Letter - Local people are being failed by the Tories

First he writes to the Express to complain that Labour members discuss national issues at council – despite the fact that they affect local people.

He then voted for my resolution at council last week saying we should do exactly that!

But when stick came to lift he wouldn’t support Labour in opposing the closure of the Remploy factory in Pontefract employing 26 people with a disability – a perfect example of a national decision affecting local people.

It’s not a question of him supporting Labour but supporting local people – and he constantly fails to do so.

Perhaps that helps to explain why the Conservatives have finished a poor third in the two local by-elections held this year.

Coun Walsh and I do agree on one thing at least, namely that the live streaming of council helps make us more democratic.

Some 1,400 watched November’s meeting and over 200 watched December’s meeting as it happened.

I believe the cost of £400 a year is good value for greater democracy and in future we intend to live stream both Cabinet and planning committee meetings.

Coun Peter Box CBE

Leader of the Council