JOHN Eddleston (Letters, August 23) must have a crystal ball as he seems to have some special insight into the workings of the local Labour Party.

Unfortunately, it must be malfunctioning as his comments regarding a former councillor are simply wrong.

Also, he fails to understand democracy within the Labour group of councillors on Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Major decisions within the group are not taken by 'leaders' or small groups of councillors but by the whole of the Labour group, and that includes all decisions about the new political structures.

Labour councillors can raise any item or request a discussion on any issue within the group of councillors.

Rather than an erosion of democracy this seems to me a case of democracy in action.

DAVE SMITH (Councillor and Labour Group Secretary,

Blackburn with Darwen Council), Avondale Road, Darwen.