IN response to Dr Phil Thomas’ recent letter that followed my support of the move to all-out local elections every four years. 


I am also not a member of a political party but I have for many years been a community activist wherever I have lived in St Helens and have worked closely with councillors of the three main parties on St Helens Council.


I have worked closely with St Helens MPs. I didn’t need to be a member of a political party to stand up for social justice and community safety.


I have always done what I do as a Christian, not as a politician.


I have seen social justice at its worst, particularly during the benefit reforms put in place by the Coalition Government of the Conservative party and the Liberal Democrats.


The disabled and the poorest people in our society got battered and suffered greatly. I have also represented people at benefit appeals since 2003 until recently.


Also I believe that it would give a better chance to people to look at local candidates more closely, ie what they have done and achieved in their communities for the local people.


I believe that all elected people should be accountable to the electorate and I still believe that all-out elections would save the people of St Helens a lot of money in the long run.


Paul Pennington, 
Sutton Manor