What conclusion should we the residents of Waltham Forest draw from your candidate's humiliating defeat in last week's by-election in Higham Hill? We could accept, maybe, that it was one of those freak results that happen once in a while, but failing so badly, polling only 487 votes after having won the seat two years previously with a majority of 600, must obviously mean you somehow lost the loyalty of the Higham Hill electorate.
How could this be? After all, that ward ranks among your 1987 four safest seats in the borough.
You certainly worked hard enough over the past few weeks canvassing the area, even taking the time to canvas yourself. You used the poll-tax as propaganda in your leaflets, but still, at the end of the day, you failed miserably.
Maybe there is an answer. Remember the cliche "You can fool some of the people some of the time"? Well, that surely must be the only explanation for it.
Not all the residents of our borough take an interest in politics, but that doesn't make them fools.
Front the very moment your group took office you have sought confrontation with anybody and everybody who opposed your views.
You banned News International publications in our libraries and teacher advertising in the TES to show solidarity with the striking print workers.
You raised the rates by 62 per cent to defy Government guidelines and blantantly ignored three massive demonstrations in protest.
You started plans for the de-centralisation of our Town Hall against people's wishes and you now lead us into the dark valley of ratecapping.
This, Mr Gerrard, is why the people of Higham Hill deserted you and, given the opportunity, every other Labour-controlled ward would do likewise.
The good-willed and fairminded people of Waltham Forest have lost all respect and confidence in your leadership and your group's management of this borough* You have sought confrontation when the people wanted moderation.
For two years you have displayed defiance towards the majority, the'very same majority that elected you. You have used Waltham Forest as a political arena to defy the Government and now you have paid the penalty.
The people of Higham Hill have shown the way. Now stand aside, Mr Gerrard, and let the rest of Waltham Forest express their opinion, in the ballot box.
JOHN CLARK, Waltham Forest Ratepayers Association.
