The last thing the Conservative Party needs is another leadership circus

Sir – It beggars belief that some Conservative MPS are plotting to replace Rishi Sunak so close to a general election (“Embattled PM urges Tories: stick with me”, report, March 18). This demonstrates a total lack of judgment, and calls into question their fitness to hold office.

Anthony Haslam Farnham, Surrey

Sir – Rishi Sunak has issued a statement that this will be the year the country “bounces back” economically.

I am reminded of the 1997 election, when Tony Blair’s incoming Labour government used the Conservatives’ effective management of Britain’s finances as a springboard to profligacy.

The Prime Minister needs to use the coming months to take action and set out clear differences between his party and Labour. Currently, like Labour, he offers only words and plans – and voters are tired of hearing promises that fail to come to fruition. Mr Sunak can only make progress if he is seen to be delivering, rather than simply talking about it.

Peter Williman Chatteris, Cambridgeshire

Sir – The last thing Penny Mordaunt should do is oust the current PM.

The Tories, who are now largely indistinguishable from Labour, will lose the next election – whenever they call it.

Ms Mordaunt should bide her time, wait for the dust to settle and rebuild from the remnants of what used to be a serious electoral force.

Richard Colver Rugby, Warwickshire

Sir – I was born in 1935, grew up during the war and have been a lifelong supporter of the Conservative Party.

This is a difficult time, but our leader is a man of intelligence, honour and integrity who is working tirelessly for the people of this country and for our position in the world. Why do so many delight in finding fault with him and his team? One look at the leaders of many other countries should remind us how lucky we are.

Elizabeth Vernon Powell Warminster, Wiltshire

Sir – Philip Johnston (Comment, March 13) attempts to dissuade disappointed former Conservative voters from supporting Reform UK.

He asserts that voting for Reform would be “ultimately self-defeating if an even worse government takes over”. However, he is ignoring the overwhelming probability of a Labour government coming to power anyway.

A moderate defeat for the Conservatives would persuade them that they were right to go against the views of their natural supporters. On the other hand, a thumping defeat might either cause them to mend their ways or result in the eventual replacement of the party by Reform.

Thomas Hamilton-jones Monmouth