BECAUSE Labour councillors are in the majority in Middlesbrough, they have the right to decide who chairs meetings.

A chairman can, and frequently does, claim thousands in extra allowances.

All but one of these chairmen is a Labour councillor.

Each of us is willing and able to chair any meeting or take on executive duties but without the need to claim thousands from the taxpayers of Middllesbrough.

Sadly, the chances of the Labour group allowing this to happen are about the same as winning the Lottery

Joan McTigue, Chris Hobson, Kevin Morby, Brian Hubbard, Joe Michna, John Hobson and Michael Hundson.

Middlesbrough councillors.