Theresa May has failed to articulate an authentic Conservative vision

SIR – I listened with dismay to Theresa May on the radio yesterday, and identified the problem that she has. She is not really a Conservative.

She speaks as though every problem can be solved by government action. She wants to rein in free enterprise. She can’t praise the past Conservative achievements of creating employment and growth in the economy. She doesn’t stress the importance of individual responsibility, and above all she doesn’t empathise with her voters.

Unlike Margaret Thatcher, she does not believe in the virtues of competition – and she has no core philosophy to replace it. Unlike Jeremy Corbyn, who has a core set of beliefs and sticks to them, however daft they are, she wavers and changes direction. That is why her “strong and stable” message is now a joke.

Kidderminster, Worcestershire

SIR – What Britain needs is a leader who sincerely believes in Brexit and sees the need to implement it as soon as possible; who has the steely resolution to resist the EU’S attempt to impose impossible preconditions on what is soon to be a sovereign country again; who is prepared to walk away, rather than indulge in the humiliating process of appeasement; and, finally, who has confidence in our country’s ability to go it alone if necessary.

Judging by her actions, rather than her words, Mrs May does not possess these qualities.

Poole, Dorset

SIR – Mrs May should not despair about her prospects.

She should look to Mr Corbyn’s example. For two years, he soldiered on in the face of hostility and ridicule. But now he is riding high – and so could Mrs May, if she keeps her nerve until the end of the Brexit negotiations.

Cambridge

SIR – We hear much about Mrs May’s shyness, and her inability to deal with warring factions in her Cabinet.

Boris Johnson needs a roasting – followed by the sack, or a very obvious demotion. This will give him the chance to challenge for the leadership, if he has the nerve. I suspect that, like all troublemakers, he will back down when faced with reality.

Mr Johnson might be clever and humorous – but if we need a comedian as prime minister, we can of course turn to the Labour Party.

Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire

SIR – Jacob Rees-mogg showed how to engage with the Left in a way that few Conservatives have the selfconfidence to do, when he chatted with the “Tories out” protesters.

On the Brexit negotiating position, he suggested that it should be “generous, tough and Conservative”.

I hope the party and Government also try this approach, as these are the principles that can win.

Wrexham