COUN David Smith's description of the workings of Blackburn with Darwen Council (LET, April 11) is an affront to people's intelligence.

Yet, one must give him credit for openly admitting that the council has been run by a junta for years -- although with no legal standing and at times benevolent in letting other New Labour clones have a say.

In opting for a 'cabinet' system is New Labour in Blackburn scared of the electorate -- who might elect an independent mayor as manager who would then curtail some of their most outrageous antics?

Coun Smith borrowed another correspondent's comments, that "democracy thrives on intelligent and reasoned argument in open forum." Then why have Labour taken it upon themselves to arrogantly decide that they know better and not put it to the electorate?

Coun Smith criticises the public for not attending committee meetings. Well, who can blame them? They are so farcical and boring to be beyond belief. There is little discussion --maybe a trivial amount -- with everything going through "on the nod."

What is being brought in, in the name of democracy, is probably the most undemocratic decision that could be made on the behalf of the electorate.

WALT MEADOWS, Whalley New Road, Blackburn.