Sir.–I recently wrote about the stagnation the borough council would fall into following the loss of overall control. The latest votes in full council prove the point – the Conservatives have a lame duck administration.

The recent resolution of the USA fiscal cliff shows us what can happen here if the Conservatives do not hold immediate talks with all parties over the 2013 budget.

They cannot force their cuts through and if a budget is not agreed, the Government will step in.

I urge the less radical elements of the party to step in and do a deal.

–Philip Heath, UKIP campaign manager, Basingstoke.