WHAT a clown the chairman of Blackburn Conservative party is when he asks for some local celebrity to stand for Parliament (LET, May 23) just because they got more votes than Labour in the local elections -- two per cent more, I believe.

I bet you won't find a local, or anyone from the rest of the country of any prominence, will come to Blackburn to contest against one of the best politicians and Home Secretaries we have had in a generation.

I think Coun John Williams should look to putting the opposition to present Labour Party councillors to more effect by appointing a leader who can stand up in council and truly represent their party.

At present, and over the past number of years, they have been pathetic. I know because I attend most council meetings as an observer.

Perhaps Coun Williams should put up to be our MP, he says we need someone who has ambition, the conviction they can win and a background knowledge of politics.

Some chance.

RON O'KEEFFE, East Park Road, Blackburn.