Quick-change Tories

SIR – There should be no more votes of confidence in Boris Johnson.

Provision for such votes was introduced in 1998. They produce pyrrhic victories for unpopular, embattled prime ministers, who are rescued from defeat by the payroll vote. Theresa May discovered that in December 2018, six months before her resignation. Her successor has now been taught a similar lesson.

The change made in 1998 should be scrapped. Serous disaffection among MPS can only be overcome by a leadership election. The 1922 Committee should recast the rules so that an election is triggered when a substantial number of backbenchers – say 20 per cent – call for one.

If several rounds of voting are needed, they should take place rapidly. After all, the electors will already be very familiar with the merits and shortcomings of the candidates. Members of the party in the constituencies would be carefully consulted.

The whole process could be completed within three weeks. The Conservative Party used to pride itself on its ability to get rid of unsuccessful leaders quickly. It needs to regain the habit.

Lord Lexden London SW1

SIR – It is helpful of David Frost to call for a Bill to sunset EU law (Comment, June 10), as it is a useful reminder that the Queen’s Speech included such a Bill.

Indeed, it began, embryonically, while Lord Frost was still in office and, thanks to the Prime Minister’s enthusiastic support, is now nearing completion for a July introduction. Jacob Rees-mogg MP (Con) Minister for Brexit Opportunities London SW1 SIR – The current Government was elected before the pandemic, so its manifesto may have failed to anticipate the massive impact of Covid on our economy.

Readers with rather short memories consider it fair to criticise any failure to fulfil some manifesto pledges. One way or another we are all taxpayers, so it should come as no surprise that we will have to foot the bill for repairing the vast hole in the nation’s bank account.

Iain K S Gray

London SW15