• IT is not surprising, if disappointing, to see Labour councillors defend our broken electoral system, (Green Party councillor Russell is wrong to say the system is ‘broken’, April 1).

FPTP, first-past-the-post, voting entrenches Labour power in the council entirely; 61 per cent of the vote gave Labour 98 per cent of the seats.

It entitles the Labour group to three dedicated political staff. Cllr Caroline Russell, as a sole Green Party opposition councillor, receives no such support.

Islington voters are increasingly aware of the drawbacks to such a lopsided balance on the council.

Labour leaders regularly treat opposition with contempt; little different from the booing and braying seen at prime minister’s questions.

Islington Green Party is the only party that can challenge Labour electorally. At the last election I was 73 votes away from becoming a councillor.

My colleagues in Tufnell Park, Tollington and Highbury West wards have run Labour close at recent by-elections.

So if democracy, accountability, and transparency matter to you, your best choice is to vote Green on May 5.

BENALI HAMDACHE
Islington Green Party