Sir, I disagree with Mary Ann Sieghart’s underrating of Theresa May’s performance in the Commons (T2, June 23).
Mrs May was the Political Studies Association’s Opposition Politician of the Year in 2003, winning praise for her ability to lead from the front. She was more than effective in helping the hapless Stephen Byers on his way from office in 2002.
Besides, there is little correlation between performance in the Commons and victory at the ballet box, as William Hague can attest. Margaret Thatcher was regarded as hesitant in her early days at the dispatch box; it was only later that she grew into the role.
ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ
Staines, Middlesex
From Dr Anne-Carole Chamier
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Sir, I am one of the millions of “lost” Tory voters who will vote for no one other than Kenneth Clarke.
He puts one in mind of Winston Churchill, who was 64 when he set out to lead Britain through the Second World War: pugnacious and portly, with a cigar clamped permanently in his fighting jaw and a glass of Scotch to hand. Just the sort of unstuffy Tory the country loves.
CAROLE CHAMIER
Ardross, Ross and Cromarty
From Mr David Thompson
Sir, Should the Conservative Party choose Sir Malcolm Rifkind as its leader, all three major parties would be led by Scots.
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DAVID THOMPSON
Petts Wood, Kent