The Government must stop pursuing votes and start pursuing policies it believes in

SIR – I don’t want this Government to do the things I hoped my vote for it would see it do, just so it can win elections. I want it to do those things because those things are as much of a concern to it as they are to me.

The Government’s apparent indifference, apathy and ineptitude regarding major issues such as illegal Channel crossings, the cost of living and political sleaze have cost it in the local elections and, unless it confronts and deals with such important issues urgently, will very likely cost it the next general election.

Stefan Badham

Portsmouth, Hampshire

SIR – The electors of Wandsworth, Westminster and Barnet have voted to have their council taxes raised and their local services run less efficiently at a time when (because of mainly external factors) the cost of living has been rocketing.

Arguing that, well, the capital has long been irreconcilable Remainer territory and swathes of local election voters there were born outside the United Kingdom, while true, will not do as explanations for these acts of blatant self-harm.

The same factors were in play at the last round of local elections. Moreover, results elsewhere in some strongly Leave areas indicate that Tory 2019 gains in English Red Wall areas are crumbling while in Scotland there has been an electoral collapse.

Tory MPS must face the reality that voters have expressed their disgust with the sleaze, self-entitlement and mendacity now inextricably associated with Downing Street. Boris Johnson must go.

Terry Smith

London NW11

SIR – Opinion polls have historically proved to be the most reliable indicator of party political support, whereas local election results are skewed and exaggerated by differential and low turnout, often under 40 per cent. Boris Johnson’s Government has endured a torrid six months, mostly caused by a combination of self-inflicted and avoidable mistakes. The economy is underperforming, inflation is high and rising, and taxes have been increased for the wrong reasons. The health service is a disgrace despite unprecedented levels of funding, immigration is out of control and public-sector unions are flexing their muscles.

Yet Labour has a mid-term poll lead averaging only 5 per cent, a lightweight front bench and a leader who is wooden and smarmy.

I have followed politics closely since 1974 and have called every general election correctly. Right now I wouldn’t bet against Boris Johnson winning again in the autumn of 2024 if Tory MPS have the prescience to give him time and space.

Philip Duly

Haslemere, Surrey

SIR – Allister Heath’s excellent article, “Work-shy Britain is sleepwalking into a doom-spiral of class war and decline” (Comment, May 5), is a bleak wake-up call to all Westminster parties.

He shines light on three key issues: a dysfunctional NHS that no party dares challenge, the housing-supply crisis that is leaving the under-35s in despair, and the astonishing post-brexit economic malaise of low-growth, low aspiration and low ambition.

An 80-seat majority is the perfect platform on which to tackle these huge agenda items, yet this Government (Conservative in name only) is distracted by sleaze, fines for parties, and its self-made net-zero agenda.

Indeed, it is likely that for this particular government leadership group, the three big issues highlighted fall into the “too difficult” category and are therefore cans to be kicked further down the road.

The absence of a robust, selfcontrolled UK energy generation policy is an example of a can that successive Labour and Conservative governments kicked down the road, and just look where that got us.

Bill Simpson

Canterbury, Kent

SIR – It is imperative that the Conservative Party finds a safe seat for Lord Frost in the House of Commons. He stands head and shoulders above any pretender to the leadership of the party and we need him as a matter of urgency.

Michael Willis

Cirencester, Gloucestershire

SIR – I see that the people of Bristol have voted to abolish the office of elected mayor for their city. Can we in London have a similar vote?

Brian Gedalla

London N3