The tragedy of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham and the failure of its public authorities to intervene undoubtedly requires strong and swift action.

But the introduction of five commissioners to run the affairs of the council until 2019 denies the citizens of Rotherham their voice in addressing the failures of local public leadership.

Few will question the secretary of state's intervention into the affairs of a council that has so palpably failed to protect - let alone to lead - the local population of Rotherham, but details of the measures introduced must give rise to deeper questions about the role of local democracy within our nation state.

In short, the council and its executive are stripped of all of their functions and these are placed in the hands of five hand-picked commissioners. This includes the hiring and firing of all staff at the council, all planning, licensing and commissioning powers, everything relating to finance and local taxation, fees and charges - everything.