I take strong exception to, and totally refute, the implication in Liberal Democrat district councillor Katherine Callow's letter in the Gazette last week that the cabinet format in the county council has resulted in cronyism.

I have never favoured a cabinet system for local government but it was the lesser of the evils presented to us by central government when we were required to abolish the committee format which, in my opinion, had worked well and

allowed all members to participate in the decision-making processes.

With the executive duties now placed upon cabinet members, only those councillors who have the

necessary experience, and who are willing and able to commit themselves to what is virtually a full-time occupation, can be considered to hold portfolios, and I can assure Coun Callow that those criteria, and those alone, were taken into consideration when I formed my present cabinet.

Can I also take the opportunity to say how sorry I am to see Sandie Webb leave the council as I will also be when Philip Allnatt stands down. I have much appreciated the support, and sometimes the challenge, from Sandie in her work within Social Services and particularly for the benefit of children.

Both councillors have given considerable public service to the community and Philip has been exceptional in holding the executives to account, a function so necessary with the new formats in local government.

Both will be missed in county hall.

J SCOTT

Leader

Wiltshire County Council