AND so it starts. The flurry of letters from Labour councillors as they attempt to distance themselves from the individual responsible for non-payment of council tax.

For what was for two years a "matter of data protection" suddenly becomes a free for all councillors clamour to tell their voters how awful it is that the individual has allowed this to drag on so long.

Do they think we are stupid?

Where were these people two years ago when the story came out? Where were the letters condemning one of their own over the three year period that the Bolton News were investigating? Where were the questions in council from the individuals colleagues asking how much tax payers' money was being used to fight to keep the identity of their colleague secret?

Nowhere. Because they weren't trying to keep residents on side.

Not now though. Now they're throwing the councillor to the wolves. NOW they're suddenly horrified at how the individual has brought the party's reputation into question. It was all well and good when it was a secret — but now it's out they have to do all they can to save face.

The people of Bolton deserves a council that is open, honest and accountable. And as we move towards the elections in May its becoming quite clear that there are some councillors across Bolton who only believe in accountability when it suits them.

But the fact is, to steal a popular Tory term, "they're all in this together" and don't let them pull the wool over your eyes by pretending otherwise.

Kev Walsh

Harper Green