Mr Steele, along with his colleague Mr Shaw, was one of the representatives of the ratepayers association who petitioned David Barlow to stand as an independent candidate in the forthcoming elections. However confusion abounded as the two men thought they were dealing with Ken Barlow who had recently gone to prison for a week rather than pay a fine for organising an illegal anti-Vietnam demonstration and they had admired his fortitude and principles. When the error became clear, Ken was asked in David’s place but he refused when he saw how disappointed his brother was. In the end, it was Irma’s opposition that made David refuse the offer as she thought it seemed a dull thing to do.