Theresa May should have stage managed conference appearance to look good

Is the age of political conference stage management coming to an end? I was surprised that Brian Wilson felt that Prime Minister Theresa May shouldn’t be held to account for the triumvirate of gaffes that plagued her keynote speech in Manchester (Perspective, 6 October). The organisation of these events rests ultimately on her shoulders. That means she ought to delegate effectively, not just to the chairman of her party, but to her advisers. She should have stressed to them beforehand the importance of her state of health, the need for first class conference secu- rity and presentation. But it seems complacency set in at all levels. Who advised her that it was necessary to do over 20 TV interviews the day before – when she was clearly a bit under the weather – when she needed to be ultra-prepared for the challenge of a major speech not just to the faithful but to a watching world?

It is difficult to imagine Tony Blair or Margaret Thatcher presiding over such a shambles. They both knew the value of credibility and presentation. On the other hand, both were accused of changing these events into rallies rather than democratic forums. No doubt they both worked on the principle that the public have limited interested in policy, but do want to see a party that is well operated and united. It is interesting that the public mood seems to have shifted on this matter. Labour under Jeremy Corbyn seem quite happy to give nationwide publicity to inexperienced , first time speakers who have rejected the smart outfit and the soundbite. Under the surface, however, there was still tight control of who the major speakers should be in Brighton.

It is a shift of style rather than principle. Mrs May let her party’s standards slip in a way that might yet cost her the leadership. Should she survive she will need to look to the presentational standards of some of her predecessors if she is to be effective.

BOB TAYLOR

Shiel Court, Glenrothes

I admire the courage of the modern press with their rigorous approach to mishaps as demonstrated with recent headlines in respect of Theresa May’s future. Can we presume that if an editor’s calendar falls off the wall, or he or she damages their hand and can’t write or an intruder wanders into the office, they will

Randolph Crescent Dunbar, East Lothian

I find it unbelievable, the pressure the whole media are putting Theresa May, our Prime Minister under, when we are about to leave the European Union. Instead of supporting her they are putting her under tremendous pressure. There is one simple reason for this – she represents the millions who voted for Brexit. All the interviews at the moment, with all the politics immediately tender their resignation, party leaders, sound like as obviously they will party political broadcasts. But no longer be fit for the job? I believe in democracy and we JAMES WATSON will win through in the end.

JOHN CONNOR

David Henderson Court

Dunfermline

Theresa May stating she has the full support of her Cabinet shares the same ominosity as a football manager receiving a vote of confidence from their club board. Not merely is the writing on the wall, it’s been there so long that the letters fell off at conference.

MARK BOYLE

Linn Park Gardens Johnstone, Renfrewshire