Rishi Sunak rant was a Viewpoint too far

It cannot have escaped regular readers’ notice that the ‘Viewpoint’ section has been decidedly thin of late. Perhaps one reason is that the contributions no longer adequately reflect local concerns but have degenerated into predictable, and now boring, rants – usually about Brexit.

The most recent edition features another submission by regular ranter James Aidan.

On this occasion he has surpassed himself.

His highly personal attack on Rishi Sunak and his family was – hopefully – meant to be ironic, but unfortunately appears just to display a degree of envy and abuse that has become typical of Mr Aidan’s ilk.

This sort of outburst is for the gutter press and its social media cousins such as Twitter.

I sincerely fear that the once fine reputation of the Advertiser is becoming steadily eroded; and this will inevitably be reflected ultimately in circulation figures.

I understand that the editor’s job entails giving a platform on an unbiased basis to all, but may I urge you to exercise your editorial scissors in favour of at least polite debate on local issues; goodness knows we have a lot directly on our doorsteps to discuss.

Dr B W DARRACOTT

Maidenhead Editor’s note: As previously noted on these pages, I will always give priority to letters focusing on local issues and welcome submissions from new contributors on a variety of topics. I can only print the letters I receive.

Email jamesp@baylismedia.co.uk or write to Viewpoint, Newspaper House, 48 Bell Street, Maidenhead, SL61HX to join the conversation.