Would like to thank Nicky Morgan for taking her job seriously

OUR local MP, Nicky Morgan was irresponsibly labelled a ‘mutineer’ by a supposedly reputable national newspaper.

In contrast, I would like to thank her for taking her job as an MP seriously and carrying it out properly in the face of unjustified criticism.

Members of parliament don’t just have the task of representing and assisting their constituents – they also have to scrutinise, debate and assess legislation and then vote for the position that they think will be in the best interests of their constituents and the country.

Often, politicians are likely to have a better insight into some matters because of their parliamentary work and experience – surely we expect them to use that insight in order to make balanced judgements, even if that may not always be in accordance with their party or the noisiest popular view.

In the current climate, it takes courage to do that, and it is worth remembering that our MP has experience in both the Treasury and cabinet government.

I want an honest and hard working MP who will carefully assess issues as they arise and articulate her considered opinions.

If we genuinely want a healthy democracy, all of our politicians should be allowed to speak their honest views and do their jobs, unthreatened by a bullying press (challenging is fine, but bullying is not), extreme politicians, party whips or social media thugs.

These are extraordinary times with critical Brexit legislation in progress and a government under exceptional pressure. I want to hear what our parliamentarians really think as things proceed, unfettered and without haste – it is essential that they and we get this right.

Julie Harrald, Blackbrook Road, Loughborough.