Theresa May will have to go

Sir, - What are the prospects of yet another general election within a year and even before the end of this year?

It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that Prime Minister Theresa May’s authority has been fatally undermined.

She simply cannot call an election to try to increase her majority, fail to get that majority, and hope to retain credibility in her own party and with our European neighbours and the public.

One way or another she will have to go. Her correct course of action would have been to visit the Queen, tell her what had happened (as if she didn’t know already) and recommend that she send for the leader of the opposition.

The point would have been made that he does not have a majority either but in the circumstances, he has as much right to try to form a government.

Labour and the other parties seems to have been more in tune with the public mood on the triple-lock on pensions, the cost of social care and winter fuel payments in England and Wales.

They also seem to be more in touch with public opinion on the circumstances in which we should exit from the European Union; a soft Brexit rather than a hard Brexit.

There will be little dignity for Mrs May if she simply tries to cling on to office and risks the chance of humiliation on the international stage.

Jeremy Corbyn may have to learn quickly about the responsibilities of public office, but he deserves the chance to take it, whatever reservations we have about his outlook. Bob Taylor. 24 Shiel Court, Glenrothes.