WHEN Councillor John Hopkins was leader of Blaenau Gwent Council he presided over a failure in social services.

He saw his deputy leader, Cllr Nigel Daniels, suspended by the Ombudsman for intimidating staff.

As a cabinet member with the independent council in 2011, education was taken into special measures.

Perhaps though he is best remembered as a high taxing council leader.

I was therefore disappointed with the Argus article (August 19) criticising my leadership at a time when it is recognised Blaenau Gwent is making improvements in financial management, education and safeguarding.

People in glass houses really should refrain from calling the kettle black even if the grapes are a little sour to their taste.

Hedley McCarthy Leader, Blaenau Gwent CBC