IT IS ironic that Coun James Alexander thanks The Press (Letters, December 11) for raising the issue of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, when that is something he and his Cabinet should have been doing.

He ignores the Conservatives’ substantive arguments against York joining five distant authorities because of the lack of influence and hence funding that York may receive as part of this proposed authority, and focuses only on one aside about “Labour cronies”.

We are well aware the proposed new authority is a Government flagship, but there will in due course be other combined authorities which will include county councils. So why is York being rushed into a permanent commitment with West Yorkshire?

Coun Alexander claims we will receive money to improve the ring road, yet in his letter even he admits this is only a possibility.

Contrary to Coun Alexander’s statement, York will be a non-constituent (partner) member without full voting rights when the authority is established. Why would anyone want to accept that?

Coun Alexander has not seen fit to consult those he purports to represent, and the Conservatives are the only party fighting for residents to be kept informed and to be given a choice.

Coun Ian Gillies, Conservative group leader, City of York Council.