THE letter from Thames View Resident last week exposes a disturbing phenomenon in local politics. Having deselected two long standing democratically elected councillors, Fred Barnes and Joan Rawlinson, our local Labour Party then adds insult to injury b

THE letter from 'Thames View Resident' last week exposes a disturbing phenomenon in local politics.

Having deselected two long standing democratically elected councillors, Fred Barnes and Joan Rawlinson, our local Labour Party then adds insult to injury by urging residents to by-pass these sitting councillors and, instead, to contact their replacements.

In what can only be described as a piece of breath taking arrogance the party is requesting residents to treat these candidates as though they are already elected

No party should be foolish enough to give the impression that it is taking the electorate for granted, and, if letters to Postbag are used as a guide, the outcome of an election on Thames View is far from being a certainty.

Trevor Wade

Woodbridge Road

Barking