" ... but many people do have a preference for being represented by someone [Labour] who they know who has recognisably similar concerns - at least at local level."

Oh, Peter, if only that were true! In the city where I live the Labour council is only interested in two things: aiding and abetting property developers and airport expansion. The only party who take a really active role locally are the much maligned Lib Dems (who, of course, have been decimated).

I'm also have great doubt about local Labour's commitment to democracy. A large majority of local Labour councillors represent wards where hardly anyone bothers to vote (all the most powerful and influential councillors represent such wards). Before the election one leading councillor was crowing about making our city a 'one party state'. Finally, one of my Labour councillors doesn't even speak to me because she knows that I don't automatically fall into line and support her party (I thought that this just applied to me - but yesterday someone told me that she is well known for having this attitude). At least the LibDems, the Greens, the Socialist Workers etc. (we don't seem to have any Tories these days) are all prepared to debate the issues!