WITH reference to the story, Angry councillor walks out of heated meeting (Keighley News, March 29).

I read the article with interest and stand by my comments.

However, I was shocked and dismayed to see Cllr Shaw’s comments: “the Labour group on the town council only votes as a bloc on budgetary issues, staffing terms and conditions and on who should be mayor or deputy mayor.”

I have spoken to at least two Labour councillors who informed me that the group had decided who to put forward for the two roles and they didn’t think these two people were the right ones for those roles. I asked why they couldn’t vote for who they thought were the best candidates and was informed that they “had to toe the party line or risk being reported and possibly excluded from the party.”

Surely every member of the council should have the courage of their convictions and vote for who they believe will serve the town best for the residents and not because it’s party policy.

It is apparent that there are councillors within Keighley Town Council who will put their political party before the residents of the town and I find this extremely wrong and sad, after all it is Keighley Town Council and every councillor should represent residents of the town and do their best for them.

COUNCILLOR JULIE ADAMS