Forcing the local Labour party to select a female candidate is anti-democratic and unneccessary, much better to ensure training and encouragement is available and make sure the candidate selected is the best candidate for the job. Letter sent to the Evening Courier, full text below the fold:

read more from "All women shortlists in candidate selection"

Letter to the Courier responding to a letter from Jonathon Timbers regarding Lib Dem Cllr Janet Battye, observing that the principle reason Cllr Battye is unable to give power to people such as himself is because the Lib Dems have never held power in Calderdale–it is their stated objective to devolve power and make services more responsive.

Full text below the fold:
read more from "Democracy and local accountability—don’t blame the opposition"