I have followed your reports on the collapse of Tory power in Brighton and Hove with considerable amazement.

What Mary Mears has been demonstrating this past week is not only her patronising attitude to anyone who does not share her politics, which Peter Lilley highlights (Letters, December 12), but also the arrogance of power to which, it must be said, not only Tories are susceptible.

Coun Mears’ words that the Tories “were elected in May 2007 ... with a mandate to run this city” may well have been valid two years ago but, following the July by-election, they are no longer so. She should become reconciled to the fact there has been a shift in power on the council as a result of the voters in one ward.

It is probably not true “the electorate has never voted for a rainbow coalition”.

When we vote, we also give the various parties the authority to form pacts or coalitions, should the election results be indecisive.

Any individual would certainly prefer their party to be in overall control but, if this is not the outcome, the electorate must bear the consequences – and in the long run probably be happy that the “extreme” policies of any one party are being tempered by its being in a coalition.

If, as many believe, we are in for a hung parliament in next year’s general election, I for one look forward to a House of Commons which will produce less party-political legislation and which would be more representative of the voting wishes of the people of this country.

Michael B Johnson, Kevin Gardens, Brighton