COMMENTS have been made on the virtues of being an independent councillor on the city council; some of the comments insofar as they apply to the Conservative group are without foundation.

Having been a member of three councils in my lifetime as a Conservative, and also a member of those Conservative groups, not once have I been coerced into supporting national policies against my will.

Group decisions are taken after discussion among the members and by a majority vote. However, there is room for dissent either through conscience or where a member is representing their ward.

What those who espouse independence often forget is that councillors have a duty to represent the interests of our wards and do what is best for the city.

Since first being elected in 1970, I have worked worked to represent my ward, never promising anything I couldn’t deliver.

Electing independents will not solve the challenges facing the council or help in the governance of the city.

However, people have the right to stand on whatever platform they choose.

Whatever people think about politics, remember politics is about people and people are about politics and politics maintains our democracy with all its faults.

Cllr John C Galvin, Bishopthorpe ward, Bridge Road, Bishopthorpe, York.