I READ with interest the letter from M Chesterman (EA, July 12) advocating the election of independent candidates.
While this may seem like an attractive idea in principle, the system of government we have in Swindon would not enable 10 or even 20 independent councillors to make the difference which M Chesterman would like to see. The council is run by a cabinet (in much the same way as at Westminster) and this is where most of the major policy decisions are taken.
Only 10 of the 59 borough councillors have a seat in the cabinet and eight of those are from the largest party Labour who have been the largest party in Swindon for 23 years.
Consequently, independent councillors would have very limited influence on the decision-making process since they would not be part of the largest group. The only practical way to bring about change in Swindon is for the voters to ensure that Labour is not the largest party after the next election.
CLLR DAVID RENARD
Borage Close
Haydon Wick
Swindon
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article