Iain Sharpe'S letter published last week made comments in relation to the Conservative Group being divided and being in disarray.

I'm not sure if Councillor Iain Sharpe reads The Watford Observer, or takes notice of what is really happening in the town hall.

If he did then he would have noticed that since the end of October, and the welcomed departure of the Browns to form the Independent Group, the Conservatives on Watford Borough Council have been a cohesive and united group.

The letter published in the previous week's paper from Iain's deputy clearly highlighted that he was aware of the creation of the Independent Group, and that the Browns had propped up Labour, even while they were calling themselves Conservatives.

Perhaps Iain and his deputy should speak to each other to ensure what they say doesn't contradict each other.

Far from being in disarray, the Conservatives will be contesting all 12 borough seats, unlike Labour who are happy to stand aside to support their Independent Group spin-off.

We are also intending to, at least, produce results in the four key wards that we are currently represented in (which is the same number of wards that the Liberals are represented in).

Let me remind Iain that in last year's borough and county elections the Conservatives polled more votes than the Liberals, a fact that Liberal newsletters never seem to mention.

Indeed, outside the borough it is a well-known fact that the Liberal vote is softening and they are losing voters right across the county.

All Conservative borough council candidates stand firmly behind our candidate Gary Ling, and all are prepared to form an effective cabinet to restore order to the financial accounts and affairs of the council.

I realise that figures are not a strong point of the Liberals, as proved by the fact they, along with Labour, approved the last two years of council accounts that have since received damming reports from the District Auditor.

However, I can assure Iain that as a cabinet only requires two council members that there will be more than enough Conservative councillors to form a cabinet.

Councillor Tim Williams, Leader of the Conservative Group, Watford Borough Council.

April 9, 2002 12:30