SIR – On the surprise de-selection of certain Bradford city councillors (T&A, September 13) with others also having the Sword of Damocles hanging over them, regardless of what party they represent, some of the things they have been convicted of make very disturbing reading.

It is time the laws on representation of the people were revised and tightened up so any councillor breaking the law even at magistrates court level whether convicted for a motoring, criminal or commercial offence, eg, drink driving or slum landlord, etc, should be automatically disqualified from holding public office.

Being elected should never exclude anyone from personal responsibility for their actions, even Members of Parliament have to consider their positions when found wanting, although sadly not those members of the House of Lords where convicted or even ex-convicts are astonishingly still allowed to participate in the legislature of this country.

D S Boyes, Upper Rodley Lane, Leeds