Mrs May must assert her authority to get the Tories back on course
SIR – You report (October 9) that Boris Johnson’s backers have “warned that the Prime Minister lacks the authority to demote him in the wake of her disastrous general election performance and chaotic conference speech”.
It is time such individuals were reminded that Theresa May’s authority comes from the people who voted her into power at the election. Moving a few off their pedestals will do that.
The Tory minister who said that there is a “stench of death” emanating from Downing Street should realise the true situation: the whole Tory party seems on a kamikaze mission. Paul Wenman
Abingdon, Oxfordshire
SIR – Mr Johnson is unsackable because he is a Cabinet minister who truly believes in Brexit – and the EU knows this.
Some 17 million people effectively voted for him when he helped win the EU referendum, and he can achieve a successful exit. In contrast, Philip Hammond’s approach to Brexit has been that of Private Frazer in Dad’s Army – always telling us: “We’re doomed.” Chris Penney
Taunton, Somerset
SIR – As a longstanding member of the Conservative Party (presently considering whether to cancel my direct debit), I fail to understand why our Prime Minister has no useful advisers.
She appears to have no help from the party, and is left to stumble along with out-of-touch appointments.
When will these schoolboy MPS pull themselves together and provide a competent team to help her fight for the country? We deserve better. Lord Parmoor
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
SIR – I don’t think Mrs May and Mr Johnson are getting enough credit for their Brexit strategy.
Mrs May gave concessions in her Florence speech, but we are dealing with determined negotiators who, after obtaining concessions, will go on to seek more.
It is in that context that the EU needed to be reminded – in this case by the Foreign Secretary – that Britain is not just going to roll over. Hamish Donaldson
Haslemere, Surrey
SIR – I am a supporter of Brexit, but until the last general election I had never voted Conservative, having been a founder-member of the SDP.
I liked Mrs May’s Florence speech. It threw the ball firmly into the EU’S court. Her speech at the Tory conference also pleased me. She is not an archetypal Tory: more of a social democrat. It is time her party stood firmly in her corner and supported her in delivering a good Brexit. Anne Langley
Wolverhampton
SIR – I think Mrs May would make a good Foreign Secretary. David Cullen
Worcester Park, Surrey