Ex-councillor Peter Mallinson states that "the people of Walcot deserve better than Laura Holiday'' in the upcoming elections (The Hot Seat, Adver Friday, January 14).

So let's examine Peter Mallinson's record in recent years.

A former Conservative councillor, he has stood for Labour in Shaw and Toothill and now Walcot.

No doubt on each occasion stating that he would be a good person to elect, but once the election is over and he has not gained enough votes he is off looking for pastures new.

He has been nominated in many wards in Swindon, no doubt claiming to have great local knowledge on each occasion.

I note also that Mr Mallinson wrote a letter in support of Blair's war in Iraq, a war that was entered into on a pack of lies, has so far claimed over 800 British casualties, either killed or seriously injured, and left Iraq shattered and no nearer to peace than it ever was.

I would suggest that if the electorate of Walcot deserve somebody better than Laura Holiday it certainly is not Mr Mallinson.

D Smith

Swindon