I object to the Brighton Centre being emblazoned with a large red banner screaming "Brighton and Hove Welcomes New Labour".

Don't get me wrong, I'm no Tory voter (indeed, I voted Liberal Democrat in the 2001 General Election) but, being a resident of Brighton and Hove, I certainly do not welcome New Labour any more than I welcome Status Quo on their latest (middle-aged) tour.

It's ironic how, with Brighton and Hove City Council having a Labour majority, suddenly we "welcome" the party of government, which also happens to be Labour.

If the Tories came to the city for their conference, would there be the Tory Torch with "Brighton and Hove Welcomes the Conservatives" or the Dove for the Liberal Democrats? I think not.

Nepotism.

-Andrew Harvey, andrewjharvey1@aol.com