Starmer’s hypocrisy

SIR – For once I must disagree with Charles Moore (Comment, May 10), who says that Sir Keir Starmer shouldn’t have to resign over what was, essentially, a curry.

Leaving aside the ocean-going hypocrisy Sir Keir has displayed in his condemnation of Boris Johnson, what is totally unacceptable is the series of obfuscations he employed to protect himself and his deputy, all encased in a halo of self-righteousness.

The public’s confidence in his honesty and integrity has been shattered so badly that it cannot be restored.

Colin Drury

Dinas Powys, Glamorgan

SIR – Sir Keir Starmer’s promise to resign if fined by the police (report, May 10) is a political move.

The police must now decide whether or not he stays as leader of the Labour Party. During “partygate”, that decision was left to the Conservatives. I think Boris Johnson’s approach was the right one.

David Hadden

Ardingly, West Sussex

SIR – Labour’s defence of “beergate” – that its staff carried on working after the beverages and food – implies it believes that all staff working at No 10 leave at 5pm, otherwise it would accept the same argument from the Conservatives.

The real question, however, is why the media and MPS in all political parties are so consumed by these events, when most of us recognise that there are more important matters to deal with, nationally and worldwide. Brian Higgins

Eastbourne, East Sussex

SIR – The playground-level bickering over this matter has now reached a sort of Mexican stand-off.

The Prime Minister should write to Sir Keir Starmer saying: “I have no intention of resigning and I wouldn’t expect you to either.” Then we can all move on from this tiresome business. John Godfrey

Hitchin, Hertfordshire