I HAVE been involved in politics in Hereford and around the West Midlands for many years. I strongly believe that the most important thing in an election is that people use their vote.

We are extremely lucky to have it and women, particularly, had to fight long and hard to get it.

I also believe it is a good thing that there are several parties to choose from and indeed there are independents who do not belong to any party.

But what I have always failed to understand is that independents have a group with a group leader.

How can you be an independent if you operate in a group?

Of course, different independents are bound to agree on some of the same issues and therefore they would vote the same way.

But if they are truly independent as they claim, they should not have a group leader.

JUDITH HEREFORD Mordiford