REGARDING Councillor John Williams' appeal (LET, May 23) for a big celebrity to stand in Blackburn as Conservative Party candidate against the Home Secretary in the next parliamentary election, I look forward with interest to ascertain who may be forthcoming.

Is the local Conservative Association unable to find a candidate willing and able to tackle Mr Straw on his record and that of the Labour government and feels the need to resort to such razzmatazz?

If Coun Williams has the confidence of his convictions, why does the Blackburn Conservative Party not consider putting him forward?

Or are they afraid that some 'big name' may pose a threat to his council seat majority of 651 in Livesey with Pleasington ward?

MICHAEL POULTNEY, Welbeck Avenue, Blackburn.