Democracy about having open debate THE plight of Cllr Roger West (Echo Wed 1 Aug) highlights yet again the contempt for democracy prevalent in local government.

We have already seen what happens to council officers who speak out of turn; now apparently it is an offence to query the actions of fellow committee members.

Democracy is supposed to be about open debate.

To now place Cllr West (Lib Dem) under the scrutiny of a council vote (nearly all Conservatives) can only have one outcome, unless of course Conservative councillors voted for Cllr West.

Then of course they would find themselves in trouble for daring to defy their own party.

GEOFF COOPER , Methuen Road, Bournemouth