THERE is nothing short of a revolution to fix our national politics involving elections determined by a proportional voting system and a written, codified constitution. However, with the new Dorset Unitary Authority Elections coming up in May there is much that can be done locally to transform the Tory monopoly of power that has so strangled local politics over the years.

Alistair Chisholm and his ALLDorset grouping represents a breath of fresh air and a litre or two of independent thinking. Imagine on polling day in three or so months time at least 30 Independents getting elected and a good number of Liberal Democrats, Labour and Green councillors with the then realistic possibility of a joint administration or a cross party arrangement to make the local Conservatives for once the opposition.

Issues like the proposed 3,500 houses between Dorchester and Charminster , global warming and practical local initiatives to do something about it , the budget and council tax, education and social services debated by people not driven by self interested, cost cutting ideology and the fear of defying the party whip. Instead these would be independent-minded individuals who would look at local government governance and what can be done to open up the democratic process to the local voting public at large. Openness, transparency and truthfulness. An inclusive politics that more nearly represents the dynamic communities of Dorset. A local democracy that demands active participation.

Richard Denton-White

Portland