SIR – As you would expect, I am fond of public debate, and I believe it to be an important part of our democracy. It allows decision-makers to be held to account by the public, who I believe are the best judges of their own interests, just like consumers.

So, when my colleagues on the town council choose to hold me collectively responsible for the actions of my party, I feel it only fair that they should identify themselves, and their own ideological agenda.

I am the only member of the town council who is honest about my affiliation, and the only one to face a competitive election. Meanwhile, a growing number of Labour Party members have stealthily joined our ranks.

It may well suit a socialist to avoid competitive elections, and bypass the scrutiny of the electorate, but I don’t believe this is in the best interest of the public. Isn’t it time we put an end to this charade and demanded that all party members identify themselves?

In the end, it is the taxpayer that will suffer from this untenable democratic deficit, and I urge your readers to demand change.

Ian Lyons, Cliffe Avenue, Baildon