I have always liked Martin Terry, as a believer in both democracy and social justice.

Sadly, his letter (May 23) marks the beginning of the end of the Independent phenomenon in Southend’s political scene. He has been abandoned by his erstwhile colleagues, who have thrown their lot in with the Tory administration on Southend Borough Council.

Although the three Independent councillors have willingly become the agents of the austerity policies of the Government, they have no mandate beyond the parochial concerns of Thorpe Bay to do so. But then, their electorate is perhaps less dependant on public services than those of us not fortunate enough to live in Thorpe Bay.

Martin hits out at the LibDems for not opposing the Tory administration, but the LibDems, willingly or unwillingly, are joined at the hip with the Tories.

Ian Pope
Newington Avenue
Southend

...I would like to correct the ill-informed comments by the leader of the Independent group in Southend, Martin Terry.

It was most unworthy of him.

There was no whip placed upon the Lib Dem group. We discussed the possibility of a coalition with the other groups to form an administration.

The opinion of the group was that such a coalition would only last some six months as there were elements within the Independent Group with whom we could not work.

This would have thrown Southend into chaos. To avert such a situation we collectively decided to abstain on the leadership issue for the good of Southend.

As for the assertion Graham Longley received instructions from Lib Dem bosses in London, this is Martin kite flying again.

The Liberal Democrat Group will always challenge and vote against policies which they don’t agree with.

Mike Grimwade
Eastwood Old Road
Leigh