I WOULD suggest to Cllr Silvester, when he speaks of political failings and taking ultimate responsibility, he should be looking to his own Labour Group, and his own leader when talking of resignations.

A group and leader of this council that defended and approved of the scandalous award of £300,000 of public money to Asons Solicitors, money that had left this council's coffers before a single meeting took place where it was discussed.

Unlike the Labour Group and the leader of the council who, to this day, refuses to accept any wrong-doing regarding Asons, I immediately acknowledged at full council that the non-attendance is unacceptable, and that the member will be replaced; and furthermore have instructed the chief whip, working with the group whip, to bring a full internal report to the group, to ensure such an instance does not occur again.

The Conservative Group has a strong and proud record of attendance, unlike the Labour Group, which, earlier this year, as reported by The Bolton News on February 9, had five members leave a scrutiny meeting early, two of whom were in paid positions and specifically there to answer questions on decisions they had made.

Who was the chair of that scrutiny meeting that night, getting a personal paid allowance for doing so, and allowing this to happen? None other than Cllr Richard Silvester, the person now calling for my resignation.

The words "pot" and "kettle" come to mind, but one thing that I have come to learn over my years on the council is the mantra the Labour Group live by: "do as I say, not as I do."

Cllr David Greenhalgh

Conservative Group leader