Before the defeated Liberal Democrat councillor and lead member for schools makes cheap political swipes at the current Conservative administration over delays for the new north Kingston secondary school (School woes, June 19) he should own up to his own failure to deliver for Kingston students.

For years the Lib Dem council refused to accept there was even a need for additional schools.

If there were problems with the Education Funding Agency why did not the then Cllr Ryder-Mills use his influence with the then local MP and cabinet secretary, Ed Davey, to have his fellow Lib Dem, David Laws, the Schools Minister, sort the log jam.

The current council administration is not wedded to free schools but recognises that Government policy (endorsed by Lib Dems in coalition) provides for this to be the means for funding new schools.

PAT HICKMAN

Via email