OVER the life of the Tory administration of Malvern Hills District Council, we have witnessed the way in which the leadership have kept a tight hold over their own members.

Very few ever take part in debates, only those who are faithful to the leader.

When decisions go against them, they call emergency council meetings, where they impose the whip to ensure obedience.

Opposition is not tolerated, with those who express an alternative view, such as Paul Tuthill, being "deselected" for following their consciences, as reported in the Gazette.

A look at the list of Tory candidates is revealing: those chosen to stand include three members of the Morgan family, three members of the O'Donnell family, two members of the Cummings family and two members of the Baker family.

Out of 39 candidates, 10 come from just four families.

Is this an illustration of how they intend to continue the same hard line, or an indication of the difficulty they have had finding candidates who will toe the party line?

Caroline Carver

Barnards Green