THE leader of Bolton Council has called for more discussion on any change to the electoral system.

Cllr Bob Howarth said politicians must keep their faith in the voters.

He was speaking in the wake of comments by the Electoral Commission, which said this week that changing the way people elect councillors would stop far-right parties from seizing control of councils.

The commission believes that proportional representation would still see parties such as the British National Party winning a small number seats, but would help to stop them becoming the controlling group.

The commission said that, under the current system, it would be possible for parties to win a majority of the council seats without winning a majority of the vote.

But Cllr Howarth said the system should not be changed just to banish certain parties.

The BNP's recent gains in North-west towns including Oldham and Burnley has caused widespread concern.

Last year the far-right party, which opposes immigration and mixed-race marriages, said they would put forward candidates for seats at local elections to be held in Bolton later this year.

But Cllr Howarth said it was up to the public to decide who controlled the council.

"If we are to change the electoral system for local government, I've always thought proportional representation is not a bad idea," he said.

"I think it's definitely worth more discussion, but to change the system on the basis that a minority party - however undesirable - cannot take seats is not a good reason.

"There are extremist parties on both sides, but it should still be up to the electorate to decide and we must have faith in them.

"If the public wants a BNP candidate or a BNP member of parliament that's what they should have. That's what democracy means.

"To change the system to keep a party in or out goes completely against the whole idea of proper representation."