TWO residents expressed concern about Labour creating a new cabinet member for crime and antisocial behaviour (Letters, May 24).

This was in our manifesto. Unlike Liberal Democrats, Labour will honour its pledges. The residents in question did not mention they were unsuccessful Lib Dem candidates.

Coun Carol Runciman said her party would put “pressure on Labour to keep their promises to the residents of York.” How odd they are now arguing for us not to.

The cost will be met by rationalising the council’s committees. We have already decided to reduce the number of cabinet meetings by half, and merge two committees whose chairs received allowances.

As the previous Lib Dem council leader lost his seat, council officers asked me what to do about money normally paid to the leader up until Labour takes control on May 26.

I suggested this be given to Coun Runciman as interim leader and she took it. If her party was so concerned about money, she could have said no.

To attack Labour for delivering on our manifesto when they refused to scrap the second new council office at a cost of £1.4 million beggars belief.

Coun James Alexander, Labour leader-elect of City of York Council.