IN your article "We could be at the heart of recovery" (Echo, May 15), Councillor Simon Henig, leader-elect of Durham County Council, says the suspension of five councillors (over the issue of women candidates) needs to be resolved quickly.

Well, Easington Constituency Labour Party was justified in democratically nominating 22 candidates for the new unitary authority. When 19 were elected, it ensured a Labour majority.

How an inquisition led by the National Executive Committee (NEC) could suspend only five councillors, and not 19, beggars belief.

If I was a cynic, I could say these suspensions had been orchestrated by people in the national Labour Party, and this also suited some people in County Durham.

They effectively disbarred able candidates for election to the leadership of the new authority.

Coun Henig has gained office through default. Our members have allowed him his small majority, otherwise he would be the leader of nothing.

Coun Henig calls for unity. That is laughable.

The manner in which the NEC inquiry was called in haste, the suspensions that followed the day before the leadership vote - they must think we are "muppets".

People should be reminded: 19 Labour councillors from the Easington constituency - Labour majority on new council, eight.

Thankfully, real Labour is alive in Easington.

AJ Cummings, Suspended Executive Member, Easington Constituency Labour Party.