After a visceral week, the Prime Minister can yet assert his authority by using that opportunity to spell out the timetable for a transition in 2007. The spin of the Labour Party that has been crafted so painstakingly for a number of years could unravel very quickly otherwise.

It is worth noting too, that he who commits regicide is not always guaranteed the crown. Remember Michael Heseltine in 1990? As Charles Clarke has stated, the jury is still out on Gordon Brown.

Things can only get bitter?

The Labour Party must hope not.

RICHARD STEEL
Gloucester

Sir, Amid all the dreadful political shenanigans last week it occurred to me that no prime minister should have to suffer what is invariably a sad and ignominious exit from Downing Street. Rather, the nation should thank the person who has taken on the responsibility of leading the country, whether for better or worse.

The incoming prime minister might not be the best candidate to do this, but perhaps the Queen could express the nation’s gratitude for the outgoing leader’s hard work and dedication, on behalf of us all.

It seems to me that, whatever one’s political persuasion, some good-mannered courtesy would not go amiss. But then, perhaps our politicians no longer remember what such a thing is.

GILLIAN CROW
London, NW5

Sir, In referring to his departure the Prime Minister speaks with an emphasis which suggests that he will no longer be in the vicinity of the Houses of Parliament.

What look-out is there, then, for the residents of Sedgefield who, in voting for Mr Blair, fully expected to have their concerns voiced in Westminster? Will the departure also entail a by-election?

CHRISTOPHER HAWTREE
Hove, Sussex

Sir, When Tony Blair disappears off our radar, can we expect Mrs Blair to do the same?

DAVID HORCHOVER
Pinner, Middx

Sir, Tony Blair is just the latest in a line of “moderators” who are caretakers of the Parliamentary Labour Party and rein it in from its natural tendencies of all-out Marxism.

It is natural, then, that the party first accepts a leader such as Blair in order for it to become elected, but tires of him as they see the British electorate turn away from the unworkable left-wing philosophies. The danger now for Britain is that we don’t have an acceptable Opposition to take over the reins of power if Labour goes into terminal decline.

MARK COOPER
Southampton

Sir, There is nothing that so rekindles the public’s interest in politics or so reinvigorates a parliamentary party than the imminent downfall of its leader. The Labour Party is mutinous and when its leader cannot stamp his authority over it or command respect from within its ranks then he must go.

Blair’s legacy is intact. That he totally transformed an unelectable party pre-1997 and then led that party to a landslide victory in the same year means that new Labour will forever be in his debt. Gordon Brown, champing at the bit to take over may yet regret his tactics, the saga of the last week has shown a side to him that may not sit comfortably with the voting public.

ROB HICKS
Johannesburg

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