SIR — Once there were ten little Independents — immediately after the May 1999 district council elections there were eight (Cllrs Day and Pugsley took the Tory whip), then there were only seven (George Burnell resigned), now there are only six (Michael Gammon having also taken the Tory whip), and soon it might be five!

As a Liberal Democrat, I welcome a political party taking overall control, as it allows for focus and accountability, although many Tory district councillors still remain remarkably coy about district council matters being political (small "p" and big "P").

Cllr Christine Lawrence noted in the tourism debate, that the matter was so important and controversial that she was pleased that it was not a political debate. Surprise, surprise, the vote went along political lines!

Should not all politicians who stand under one banner and then defect to another political party seek re-election?

Finally, Michael Gammon is very wrong in his claim that being a member of a political group makes you a better ward member; that depends on commitment, hard work and availability to all your electorate, and not your political loyalty.

Peter Humber,

Liberal Democrat District Councillor,

Withycombe.