DAVID Kelsey (HAS, May 28) is right about the evils of party politics and the benefits of STV (Single Transferable Vote). His method is fine for electing a mayor, but STV for MPs in single-member seats would negate most of the benefits he lists.

Contrary to Mr Kelsey's claim, most party politicians are against Proportional Representation precisely because, under PR, these sycophantic yes men would probably lose their seats. Singlemember seats almost always lead to one party getting a majority in Parliament with a minority of votes - scarcely democratic.

Single-member seats take power away from the people and put MPs in thrall to the party machines. It creates an elective dictatorship whereby prime ministers such as Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair can force through unpopular legislation with their artificial majorities and party whips.

To defeat the party machines and put power back into the hands of the people, STV in multi-member seats is by far the best answer.

Chris Foote Wood, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham.