[garinda]

Thanks for your replies Graham.

As a reader I still don't see there's any evidence of political bias in the Observer, or that there ever has been.

The refusal to have an opposion leader's column, because they already had a Labour M.P.'s column, and a Conservative council leader's one, seems a little daft. Partly because of the times when our M.P. and ruling party on the council happened to belong to the same party.

Is the Political Column going to be a regular platform for the opposition leader? Or was it merely a means by which Cllr. Britcliffe could give his thanks for the memories speech?

I know for some people politics is one major turn off, but it is very central to how we all live our lives, and I believe that the local press have an important role in reporting politics fairly, which I believe the Accrington Observer does.

Even though I've been one of his fiercest critics, when it has come to some of his policies whilst in power, I would personally prefer to read the musings of the new opposition leader, rather than see another Hyndburn Hunk/Glasses Wearer of the Year/Bonny Baby/Carnival Queen/Pet of the Year, or pull-out Prom Spercial in the friggin' paper.

Peter Britcliffe used every legal avenue to maintain a high media profile.

That was his right. Just as it is an option for any politican.

It doesn't mean the press showed political favour.

As stated earlier, there were as many unfavourable stories, as there were smiley shots at the opening of the latest...envelope.

As a media whore he was up there with the Peoples' Princess.

May they both rest in peace.