COUN Kate Hollern, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, offended many with her recent rantings and cravings for publicity. Can I ask if she actually knows the meaning of the words hypocrite' and hypocrisy?' No challenge from opposition? Not one month earlier she rejected an opposition proposal to allow a council question time, to challenge her decisions, and she has the audacity to launch such a hypocritical attack on my fellow councillors.

Is she in a corner having to come out fighting for some reason?

Was this a cunning plan' to deflect attention away from the much rumoured unrest in her own party?

Her own colleagues, other than the portfolio holders, sit silently in council forums apparently not being able to, or allowed to say anything. Are they voicing views in secret for fear of being heard openly?

The temporary defection of six Labour councillors required the intervention of the Rt Hon Jack Straw, no less (and in the middle of the Iraq crisis!), to smooth the Labour group's waters.

What changes of allegiance is she expecting in May? Trying to foresee the future is a challenge, is it not?

Don't waste taxpayers' money on your council's Good Councillor' Guide. Try this instead: Councillors are not elected to establish personal power bases, or promote their office for the purpose of self-aggrandisement and gratification.

They must be rational, reasonable and be prepared to swallow personal and political pride for the benefit of the public whom they serve.

Councillor PAUL RASETA (Conservative), Fernhurst Ward.