THE Liberals tied the laces, the Green licked the boots and then Labour firmly kicked democracy in the teeth.

Last week's Lancaster City council meeting, allegedly called to decide the future composition of the Cabinet, review boards and other bodies, was a farce.

In fact, anyone who read last week's local papers knew exactly what has already been decided in the dark rooms of the political groups involved days before.

The new, revitalised Labour group had arranged, with the support of the Liberals and Greens, to grab control and freeze out all other councillors. The Labour group would take five seats on Cabinet, the Liberals would be fed three and the Greens sweep up the last two.

That means that with 20 seats out of 60 - one third of the seats on the council - Labour have taken control, propped up by the eight Liberals (the so-called party of proportional repre-sentation) and seven Greens.

I believe local councillors should work together for the benefit of the electorate of the area, but clearly this coalition does not want to do that.

No party politics in local government is my mandate. And as a free member of the council I will continue to represent my ward and the district in an attempt to improve the quality of service and quality of life.

Cllr Paul Woodruff (Ind)