The news that Mr Gumpert and Michele Stacey's positions have not been filled makes sense if you hear the plans Brighton and Hove Health Care NHS Trust managers have for relocating breast cancer services to Haywards Heath.

When I say "makes sense", I don't mean the plans are good for patients.

They are just convenient for this government's health-care policies. I have supported the Labour Party all my voting life because I believe in public services for local people.

Foolishly, I thought that was the view of New Labour. To be frank, New Labour politicians and supporters are acting like socialist sheep wearing blue rosettes.

I, like thousands of other voters, gave Tony Blair and his crew victory on the basis of improving key public services.

In the recent star performance report on health care trusts, Brighton and Hove achieved a zero star rating.

The relative of a patient who had died in a corridor felt services had deteriorated over the past year (The Argus, October 9).

Mr Welling, the chief executive, failed to accept that view.

The impression given from his response was that this was merely the perception of the relative.

How many stars did Brighton Health Care NHS Trust receive in a recent survey? None.

I, like thousands of voters, will monitor the performance of Mr Welling, Brighton and Hove City Council, Ivor Caplin, David Lepper and Des Turner closely in the remainder of this government's term in office.

If we do not see significant improvements to local services during that time, I trust they will be better at their new jobs after the next election, stacking deckchairs on Brighton seafront.

-Dave Curtis, Portslade