A WELL orchestrated campaign of letters blames local Conservatives for the huge rise in council tax, imposed once again by our Labour-run council.

Familiar names say they will never vote Tory again, but were they not the ones who said the same last year and every year?

I began to suspect many of them to be Labour stalwarts coming to the aid of their party. Then I saw one letter was signed by Peter Mallinson, so my suspicions were confirmed.

In mocking the lack of party discipline in his opponents he forgets why we in Highworth rejected him last time, as had voters in his own home ward.

Slavish obedience to the party against any personal beliefs is not a vote winner.

Look around, and you will see where the Cabinet system of local government got us all. It is time to sack political party advisers, who are a sinister influence threatening real local democracy.

KEITH RATCLIFFE

Priory Green

Highworth