I am standing as an independent in the Seven Sisters by-election because the primary function of the cronies who fill our council is to help each other instead of helping the residents of Haringey and I want to change that.

Council reaction following Baby P's death was a terrible indictment of how party loyalty comes before responsibility to the vulnerable.

The fact that a new head of social services has been imposed on us by the national government proves the impotence and wastefulness of our local representatives although we cannot know how extensive the problem is because the Labour group voted to suppress an enquiry.

However, we do know that there has been long-term chaos in the social services department, a situation which was politely ignored by councillors on both sides of the chamber.

For sure, Labour councillors must have known that the well-meaning Liz Santry was not up to the job but they kept quiet because rocking the boat would endanger both their party and their jobs. The LibDem 'opposition' were no better.

We should re-assess the system in which people are voted into office. It appears that, having gained a seat, most councillors just turn up for meetings and go through the motions of debate, the results of which are a forgone conclusion because they run strictly along party lines.

Our councillors should think, not follow, and they should think first of us - the residents - instead of their parties. But they do not.

As an Independent I can raise issues and ask questions that party-bound councillors refuse or are afraid to discuss. My hope is that when there are a few non-aligned seats on the council, Haringey will become a more accountable organisation that actually serves the people it is elected to represent.