WE have come in for some criticism from the regional Labour party for our 'interpretation' of the events surrounding Doug Hoyle's resignation and the shortlisting of non-local candidates to replace him.

Are they so naive as to think that Warrington residents wouldn't notice that not one of their candidates came from the area? We were merely reflecting the views of our readers who are far from happy with the way the whole thing has been handled.

Many have phoned us to say they are considering tearing up their membership cards and questions are still being asked about the way the ballot was conducted.

The preferred candidate, Helen Jones, apparently desperately wants to be an MP and will hopefully come to represent the area well. Let's hope so. Things could certainly have got off to a better start.

Needless to say we will be watching how, if she gets elected, she represents US and not just the Labour party.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.