Published: 27 January, 2012

• In March there will be a new council leader and an opportunity for a fresh approach to running the council.

Sadly, with an electorate of just 48 Conservative councillors, the ability to have a say in who will lead the council for the coming few years will be strictly limited.

Conservative councillors are much more likely to select someone who plays well with the party faithful, than someone who has the interests of all residents to heart.

Will each of the candidates – Philippa Roe, Ed Argar, Jonathan Glanz, Melvyn Caplan, Robert Davis and whoever else might run – publish their election manifestos for public scrutiny?

Will candidates answer questions from residents?

Or will this be an election held behind closed doors with the rest of us spectators on a private event?

I have one suggestion for the Conservatives, who must now work hard to regain the trust, respect and confidence of Westminster residents after the recent West End parking fiasco.

I urge you to open up the election of the new leader of the council to residents.

Give every resident the opportunity to vote on who should lead Westminster.

After all, being leader of Westminster City Council is a privilege, not a right.

cllr Paul Dimoldenberg
Leader of the Labour Group