LABOUR have failed to deliver their key pre-election 'early pledge' to reduce hospital waiting lists by 100,000. Since the election, they have risen by 133,300 to new record levels.

They have no excuses for this let-down. Even the Health Secretary has admitted it is his fault for concentrating all resources on the non-existent 'winter crisis' in a massive PR-led exercise.

The Prime Minister, however, has refused to shoulder any of the blame.

The Government are now in such disarray that they are threatening to sack the collection of Labour activists and Tony's cronies that they appointed to health trust boards last year, if they fail to meet the waiting list pledge.

Frank Dobson described waiting lists as being like a super-tanker that takes time to turn around. If Labour fail to meet their 'early pledge' target by next April, as they promised, then he should follow the example of all bad captains, and go down with his ship.

COUNCILLOR IDA FOWLER, Secretary, Burnley Conservative and Unionist Association, Hammerton Street, Burnley.

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