What bizarre comments from Councillor Bawden.

He must know Better Swindon is not a political party but a group that wants to encourage councillors and council officers to be more honest and respectful in their dealings with the public. Standing for election would stop them being the gamekeepers and put them firmly in the camp of the poachers.

Maybe he just does not want them monitoring councillors’ behaviour.

Coun Bawden must know Better Swindon has members from across the political spectrum and this would make it impossible for them to stand for elections as a party. They just want to hold councillors to account.

Coun Bawden must also know any candidate not subscribing to the principles of Better Swindon will be looked upon by the electorate as someone opposed to openness and honesty.

I am not a member of Better Swindon but I am a member of the Green Party and will be standing as a candidate in the council elections. Like all Green Party candidates I have promised to uphold the principles of Better Swindon if elected. I write this not to try and gain votes but to encourage candidates from other parties to also sign up to the principles of Better Swindon because openness and respect for the electorate is good for democracy.

Steve Thompson, Norman Road, Swindon