John Stanaway (Letters, December 17) is absolutely right.

Party politics has been the ruination of Brighton and Hove and has claimed the careers of many worthy councillors in the past who could not agree with their party hierarchies on issues of conscience or the interests of their electors.

It may soon claim more victims.

Earlier this year, I stood as an Independent in the by-election in John's Goldsmid ward and, God willing, I shall do so again in May, 2003.

I would dearly love to see Independents standing in every council ward (perhaps John himself might like to join me), concentrating on issues of importance to our city and not the usual, childish Punch and Judy nonsense in which the party politicians engage to stifle honest debate.

Given the opportunity to vote for a full slate of free-thinking individuals, I'll bet the electors will be sufficiently motivated to turn out in substantial numbers, thereby laying to rest the unjustified charge of voter apathy.

Should any readers wish to involve themselves in this campaign, please contact me on 01273 775296.

-Nigel Furness, Cambridge Road, Hove