I AM absolutely astounded that despite my having responded to the earlier Peter Wood letter asking why we are saddled with the undemocratic executive style council, The Citizen has chosen to print a further misleading letter from him.

The facts behind why this system is now law are simple and straight forward enough for even him to understand.

In March 2000 a cross-party alliance had amended the Local Government Bill to include the improved committee system as an option for all councils. It was expected that in July 2000 the Lords would again amend the Bill and reinstate the committee system option. Instead, 45 Liberal Democrat peers voted with New Labour and ensured that this amendment was defeated by 221 to 169 votes.

Their main requirement for supporting New Labour was the retention of the committee system for small councils under a set population level. The Liberal Democrats stated the level and this was adopted.

So to briefly explain to Mr Wood why we cannot have the improved committee system, this is due to Blackpool having a greater population than that required by his own party!

When Mr Wood left the Labour Party last year his main claim was that he couldn't perform properly as a councillor under the executive style. Since then his party supported New Labour in forcing it on the nation. Does this mean that he will now leave the Liberal Democrats too?

Mr Wood stated on all of the Liberal Democrat council election material that he could not be a "Taylor's dummy". Well I have news for him now he has changed -- he will not become a "Wynne winner" either. My advice would be to remain a Lib-Dem loser!

Mr Wood clearly indicated that the new system does not work. If this is the case, why is the local Liberal Democrat leader participating by being a member of the executive? Perhaps he can submit a further letter to your pages telling us all why?

John Finlay,

Faringdon Avenue,

Blackpool.