Although a floating voter now, I was brought up in a family with strong socialist traditions going back to the middle of the 18th Century.

Before I retired, a considerable amount of my business time was spent in both fascist and communist countries. The two ends of the political spectrum seemed to share a common belief, namely that the loudest voices, the largest numbers of fists and boots deserved victory.

It was a matter of some pleasure to get an invitation to the recent election and induction of the new mayor. The evening was for me, and I hope for many others, spoiled by the baying of large numbers on the left side of the chamber. One heard regular shouts of ‘democracy’ from people who clearly have no concept of electoral democracy The new mayor had, at one stage, to hammer his gavel on his desk and asked for people to realise that the election of a new mayor in Barnet is part of the democratic process and asked for people to remember this.

Barnet’s Labour party should be proud of its voting figures in the election. What we did not get was pride and an intellectual ability to argue their case, rather just mindless jeering and interruption of speakers of another persuasion.

What a pity Councillor Alison Moore did not use her position of authority to stamp discipline on so many of her followers.

James A Baxter

Friern Barnet Lane