Hartlepool saw Labour for what it now is: a party of the liberal elite

SIR – There is an irony to Labour losing its core “working-class” vote in the Hartlepool by-election.

The party was created to defend the rights of workers against the elite ruling class but has evolved to become the party of and for that class, now made up of (among others) universityeducated metropolitans, the judiciary, education institutions, the Civil Service and the BBC.

Dr David Slawson

Nairn

SIR – Isn’t it time Labour realised that the term “working-class” is no longer relevant?

Until Sir Keir Starmer and his party understand that the country is no longer divided between cloth caps and bowler hats, they will fail to convince voters of their usefulness.

Tom Whitmore

Southwell, Nottinghamshire

SIR – Sir Keir Starmer stood shoulder to shoulder with Jeremy Corbyn, seeking to make him prime minister in full knowledge of his economic illiteracy, contempt for patriotism and support for anti-Semitic factions. He voted to remain in the EU – and, had things gone his way, we would be part of its vaccine programme.

What judgment. The British people have no difficulty in seeing him for what he is: a master of hindsight and opportunism.

David Crigman QC

Birmingham

SIR – Some Labour members are attributing their failure to the fact that Sir Keir Starmer hasn’t had “long enough” to change the direction of the party and make it more appealing to voters. I would point out to them that Boris Johnson achieved a stunning result in the general election of 2019 after less than five months as Conservative leader.

The Hartlepool victory was a tremendous result for Mr Johnson and his Government, which has been justly rewarded for the outstanding organisation of both the vaccine procurement and the vaccine rollout. Sir Keir Starmer might improve his party’s fortunes if he gave the Government some credit for the things it has got right, rather than posing with wallpaper in John Lewis.

Celia Wright

Sturminster Newton, Dorset

SIR – I voted for the Green Party in Thursday’s council election. I have been eligible to vote since 1988 and this was the first time I did not support the Conservatives. This was, in part, due to a contentious local housing development, but also because of a sense of being taken for granted.

During the campaign I received no visit from any Conservative representative; I did, however, receive a phone call from the Conservative candidate at 10.30 on Thursday morning, three hours after I had voted.

Labour’s collapse is a salutary lesson in what can happen when a party takes its base for granted.

Mark Young