So Cllr Biddulph of Trowbridge has been forced to resign from the Lib Dem Party for his homophobic comments to the effect all homosexuals are perverted and the only way homosexuality differs from bestiality and incest is that it "happens to be fashionable".

Of course the forced resignation is more than welcome, but Cllr Biddulph still holds public office

However, it does expose a deeper problem in that political parties may take a clear stand on issues of policy or principle, it does not guarantee in any way their candidates share those views and values

All parties are suffering from a lack of candidates and a general alienation from the political process.

That is why we are supporting the campaign to give 16 and 17-year-olds the vote and encourage active civic participation and education early on in their lives

With young people being encouraged to be involved and debate the issues we can only hope there will be less room for the bigots to fill the vacuum.

Cllr S Radford

Chairman of The Liberal Party

Sutton Street

Tuebrook

Liverpool