I read with interest the letter (Oxford Mail, May 19) about Woodstock Town Council, referred to by your correspondent as the 'Woodstock mafia' and comparing it to a 'banana republic'.

Presumably the writer is not aware that the term applies to authoritarian states where open and democratic elections do not occur.

Indeed, his own nomination for election has not been forthcoming during my own involvement over 20 years variously at town, district and county level.

Reference to a 'few new faces' in last year's town election misquotes the result when half of the 16 councillors elected were new members.

Within weeks of the election, the council received the resignation of the town clerk and met in confidential session to discuss the matter.

I wish to criticise in the strongest terms the actions of a few -- not new members -- completely ignoring standing orders and the National Code of Conduct by bringing their own version of events into the public domain. The majority of councillors have conducted themselves with dignity while a few dissent with apparent immunity.

Members have commendably refrained from reference to the Standards Board for England.

But my decision to stand for mayor reflected the injustice felt and the mandate given in topping the poll on my 2004 election address.

Your correspondent refers to the county council election, but I believe I have every reason to be grateful to voters of Woodstock which constituted just one third of the electorate.

Attempting to obtain the support of 1,300 new electors to the division proved a far more difficult challenge.

Julian Cooper

Crecy Walk, Woodstock