Dear John

Thank you for giving me the experience of working on a Cabinet and for inviting me onto your new cabinet but as I explained on the phone I will have to decline.

Please accept this as my letter of resignation, effective immediately.

I have the ability to work with most people but, in terms of ethos, there is a chasm between me and the controlling influences of the rest of your cabinet.

I may be naïve in believing that party politics has no role to play in local government, as we should be putting all of our efforts into delivering the best and most appropriate services for our residents, but the harm that putting party before resident can bring has been exemplified over the last 12 months with the destruction of a focussed and respectful cabinet.

I am, perhaps, even more disappointed that given an opportunity to retain this effective 'rainbow' cabinet by turning your back on your politically motivated members you chose party over people.

Regards