POLITICS is often a blood sport. In his letter of July 17, Conservative councillor Joe Watt accused me of having personal “contempt for York homeowners”.

Since being elected leader, I have sadly come to expect such personal attacks. Previously Cllr Watt made comments about myself not being able to buy a home in York.

The council is developing a long-term plan because it is a requirement of national Government and because it is the right thing to do. York has had no local plan since 1956 and has never officially defined green-belt boundaries.

We do this not because of contempt for homeowners, but because we think more York residents should have the opportunity to work hard and become homeowners. York families are being priced out of their own city.

Cllr Watt called on the council to “make ‘greenfield’ development modest and incremental”. I look forward to him explaining which village extensions Conservatives would prefer to new rural settlements.

Cllr James Alexander, Labour Leader, City of York Council