LIKE Nick Craddy, I take a keen interest in your letters page and was bemused by his outburst (Letters, May 28).

Firstly, Mr Craddy, you tell me I am an elected representative and then tell me to stop being so political. I am a politician and politics is what I do.

However, the issue to which you were referring — police numbers in Greenwich — was one where I was doing just as you suggested: addressing the problem.

Addressing the issue of police numbers is always difficult because of the inevitable cost implications. I have always advocated better policing for our community, and I will continue to do so, but people must realise if we want more police on the streets we have to pay for them.

The Tory party’s response to all this is a 20 per cent cut in public expenditure — which would result in Greenwich losing 116 police officers and four police community support officers.

You go on to tell me to “take responsibility for the borough I used to represent”. I take very seriously my responsibility for the borough I still do represent.

I am proud of the work I did as Greenwich council leader. I did my best to ensure money was spent effectively and there was investment in services while ensuring minimum or no increases in council tax.

I do not expect everyone to agree with me but you do not have to take my word for it. Just look at the district auditor’s annual letters about the council during my period as leader.

Len Duvall Assembly member for Greenwich and Lewisham