I can tell Tony Cox (June 7) the reason Independent councillors are coming to the fore.

It is because of the failed policies of party politics in Southend, in particular over the last ten years of Conservative administration.

Instead of Mr Cox picking on one Independent councillor who, in his first year, wants to concentrate his efforts on the residents in his ward, he should worry about what he and his fellow Conservatives are doing to the rest of the population.

If he wants to know our policies he should ask the residents in the wards which have Independent councillors representing them. They know because we tell them.

Ron Woodley
Independent, Thorpe Ward
Tyrone Road
Thorpe Bay