Councillor Sally Willson's criticism of the Shadow Cabinet and the Press over Cheriegate (Letters, December 16) seeks to dignify the Labour opposition at Adur District Council, of which she is a member.

It is a convoluted argument indeed and not legitimate on two counts - Cherie Blair was the author of her own disaster, and there is little straight talking by the Labour opposition at Adur.

A couple of years back, Labour had minority control of Adur. It proved to be disastrous. In a single year, their mismanagement plunged us deep into debt.

The present council is firmly in the control of a Conservative-Independent alliance led by Brighton cabbie Neil Parkin.

This council has restored sanity.

However, the outclassed Labour minority, consumed with malice at the electorate's rejection, has never stopped moaning.

It takes a responsible opposition to promote true democracy.

-Harry Treadwell, Southwick Street, Southwick