There was a time Conservatives who dominate our local politics had opposition. It prevented Tory delusions of omnipotence.

So, what happened? Where did the opposition parties go? Are they on a sabbatical or have they just thrown in the towel?

In the days of Steve Carter and Ken Turner, the local Labour party had a voice and it was a loud one. Independent Brendan Murphy was a one-man opposition who challenged and fought the Tories, holding them to account for their actions.

Councillor Roberts made the Lib Dem’s case with great effect; they are now deader than the dodo.

It’s not healthy to have such weak opposition. It encourages the worst out of the Tories and fosters the belief that their decisions need no explanation.

Macclesfield Conservatives fought tooth and nail to replace the old county council and went immediately into empire building at taxpayers’ expense with hardly a whimper from the opposition. (Okay, it might have been a whimper … just.)

While local Tories have much to prove, Lib Dems and Labour groups have a mammoth job if they are to be considered worthy of our vote.

Who wants a silent opposition?

The views on this page are Vic Barlow's and not necessarily those of the Express