• MIKE Katz gives three reasons for removing councillors Leo Cassarani and Paul Tomlinson from the lists for May’s elections: “…failure to abide by collective responsibility, letting down their constituents or struggling to carry out their role”, (Labour members walk out of selection meeting in protest at party’s treatment of blocked councillor, January 13).

Since no one has suggested the last two apply there remains only breaching collective decisions. But what collective decisions? There is no record of them voting against Labour group policy, therefore no grounds for removing them on that score.

What they share are their criticisms of Labour’s Community Investment Programme (CIP) and the potential consequences of planning decisions for their constituents. Had they not expressed these views they would have been failing in their role as councillors.

The panel is there to ensure that voters are protected against lazy, incompetent, or wildly unsuitable, candidates. Disagreeing with the actions of the council based on the views of constituents doesn’t come into it.

This makes Mr Katz and the other panel members (could we please have their names?) guilty of breaching Cllr Cassarani and Cllr Tomlinson’s natural rights.

If natural justice has been disregarded what is Georgia Gould, leader of the council, going to do about it? The loss of two conscientious and transparently decent members of her council is no small matter.

Moreover the CIP itself is currently under review by a scrutiny panel. If their findings confirm the criticisms made by Cllr Cassarani and Cllr Tomlinson, will she see they are reinstated?

Meanwhile those seeking to replace them in Swiss Cottage and Somers Town may think it best to stand aside until this fine mess has been sorted out.

JOHN MASON
Hillview Estate, WC1