Labour must change

SIR – Although I held some socialist principles in my rebellious teenage years, I have never supported Labour.

However, I hope – for the sake of that party and of our democracy – that it rids itself of the Marxist element that has taken over its leadership and decision-making. A healthy democracy needs a viable Opposition.

The last century has shown that Marxist communism is a path that leads to misery for its citizens – and ultimately self-destruction. It has no place in a prominent political party in Britain, and the sooner that Labour grasps that fact, the better for all of us. Ron Thomas

Stroud, Gloucestershire

SIR – Labour wants to reverse cuts to Union Learn. Charles Moore (Comment, May 12) says he doesn’t know what this is.

As a union learning representative, I can tell him. It is a scheme to improve skills in the workplace, and is therefore good for workers and the economy. Business is a big supporter.

Many blue-collar workers – myself included – vote Conservative, and support for Union Learn should really be a Conservative policy. John Barstow

Pulborough, West Sussex

SIR – Philip Johnston (Comment, May 10) argues that a big majority will let Theresa May “pursue a brand of Toryism that is very much hers”, taking the Tories back to “pre-Thatcher ways”.

If what Mrs May says is to be believed, though, her brand of Toryism isn’t at all unique. It is simple, old-fashioned, middle-of-the-road, steady-as-she-goes Conservatism.

It was Margaret Thatcher who hijacked the Conservative Party in order to pursue a brand of Toryism so much her own it was indistinguishable from classical liberalism. Christopher Bray

London SE13