Let’s return to representative politics (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Let’s return to representative politics

11:19am Thursday 22nd October 2009 in Waltham Forest

SO, only 21 people replied to a public consultation on a new system of local government.

Maybe this is because both of the present government’s choices are for a strong executive with weak local representatives.

Before 2002, we had effective power with the full council.

Our councillors are now offered two options for more, not less, central control.

It seems to me that central government is insisting we go further in the wrong direction – very kindly they offer us a choice of routes.

Of course, first past the post in three-member wards is not the best way to get a representative council.

Surely a democracy must want a powerful and effective full council?

Peter Hatton, Thorpe Crescent, Walthamstow.