I WAS gob-smacked to read the piece (New Chief: Tories shy away) in your issue of May 31 relating to a former Council leader, Tony Johnson.

Can this be the same Tony Johnson who was a few years ago quoted in your paper as saying that he loved all aspects of local government? Except, it seems, when the Tories do not have a majority on the Council!

There must have been fellow councillors at some time who were prepared to take a chance on some young Johnny-come-lately like Tony to enable him to make a start in Council work. Nice of him not to have reason to doubt “the chap’s background” but cannot support him because he has no idea about his abilities. Surely this is just the time when an elder statesman should support a newcomer and give him the benefit of his advice and experience and I wish the best of luck to David Hitchiner, the new Leader.

I suppose it is easier to give the nod to one of your mates with whom you have been ruling the roost for too long; when none of your mates are in the running you have to think about the choices you make and the support that you give.

I am sure that I am not alone in hoping that a change of direction in the Council will be of great benefit to this authority.

FA Milligan

Hereford