Is the Co-operative Group on the shortlist because of historic links with the Labour Party?
• It is clear to see that our proposals have been shortlisted on merit and have received praise from a number of quarters including the independent eco-town challenge panel. This does not mean that there is still not a lot of work to undertake in terms of continuing consultation to make the proposals even better. • We would have come forward with the proposals regardless of which party was in power such is the natural fit with our business and guiding ethics. Contrary to some reports, we do not sponsor MPs and we are an entirely separate organisation from the Co-operative Party.
