I can reassure Councillor Vanessa Brown (The Argus, January 25) that representation on the Brighton and Hove's Early Years Partnership is indeed democratic, having a wide range of members from all sectors involved in the local delivery of early learning and childcare.

This includes parent representation, although we always welcome more.

However, last year, all Coun Brown's Conservative colleagues voted against welcoming some £6 million of investment for childcare development in the city, including the new Sure Start programme for Hollingdean.

In considering Coun Brown's request for a place on the partnership, it is difficult to forget this.

-Coun Gill Mitchell, Lead Councillor, Early Years and Childcare Development, Brighton and Hove City Council