Potential Tory PMS queuing up to make empty promises on television

SIR – What did the Tory candidates think they would gain from the televised circus? I refused to watch such nonsense, because absolutely nothing could be learnt as to what they would achieve by becoming prime minister. Once in office they would, as with all PMS, be consumed by events and all those promises to their supporters would be forgotten. Philip Hall

Petersfield, Hampshire

SIR – Which bright spark thought it would be a good idea for the candidates to be PM to scrap it out on national television for all to see?

This was an in-house decision, but the Conservative Party has opened the door for Labour, the Lib Dems, the SNP, Greens and, oh yes, Vladimir Putin, to gloat over this sheer stupidity. Doug Morrison

Cranbrook, Kent

SIR – It was striking how often Penny Mordaunt dismissed discussion of awkward subjects as “unedifying” when, following a long period of sheep-like politics, it is really refreshing to hear such subjects as taxation and trans issues debated.

A few days ago, the consensus of opinion was that Ms Mordaunt is the best performer in front of the cameras and that Liz Truss is the worst. Following the ITV debate, it might be the other way round.

Tim Coles

Carlton, Bedfordshire

SIR – Only once before has a Mordaunt commanded newspaper headlines.

In February 1870 the country was riveted as details of the scandalous life of Lady Harriet Mordaunt unfolded in court when her husband petitioned for divorce. Her many lovers included the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, who gave her a couple of white ponies, which her husband shot in front of her.

In court the heir to the throne denied “any improper familiarity or criminal act” with her. Few believed him. Sir Charles Mordaunt did not get his divorce. “The unfortunate, crazy Lady Mordaunt”, in Queen Victoria’s words, was judged unfit to testify in her defence. She spent the rest of her life in confinement as a lunatic.

The Tory leadership candidate does not seem to be related to her.

Lord Lexden (Con)

London SW1

SIR – This country faces policy challenges on a number of fronts: inflation, energy, climate and others. As these have developed over time, it is obvious that blame must lie with policy makers at the highest level in government and the Civil Service.

It is therefore very odd to suggest that some candidates for the leadership of the Conservative Party should be excluded because they lack experience of high office. One would have thought, in present circumstances, that this might be an advantage. Kenneth Jones

Leicester

SIR – Rishi Sunak says he is the only candidate telling the truth about the seriousness of the economic situation, yet he has been the Chancellor for two and a half years.

He threw tens of billions at Covid, much of it wasted, unnecessary or fraudulently claimed. He did not hold the Bank of England to account for its woeful inflation forecasts and failure to raise rates in a timely fashion. Furthermore, he did not to take advantage of all-time low interest rates – below half of 1 per cent – 18 months ago to raise money to fund the massive Covid expenditure. Today it would cost nearer 3 per cent.

It is strange that he has based his campaign on that record and even stranger that he has garnered so much support from fellow Conservative MPS. Frances Dobson

London SW3

SIR – I was a Tory Party member from 1995, when I was 14, until 2019.

I had served two terms as a councillor and one term as an association deputy chairman. However, the party I left was so far removed from the one I joined. In the 2019 election I spoilt my ballot.

I want to see a leader who espouses Conservative values: patriotism, not the nationalism that has infected the party of late; respect for the rule of law and human rights, both of which have been ignored or torn up; pragmatism, which has been completely sidelined in our boorish relations with other countries; and responsible economics – recently jettisoned in favour of opinion-poll trends.

I hope that one will emerge so that I can, politically, go home.

Cody Mccormick

Cheshunt, Hertfordshire

SIR – Despite all his faults and flaws, I would rather have Boris as prime minister than any of the candidates presently bidding for the job. None of them has inspired me in any way.

It is interesting that Boris has not, as yet, offered his resignation to the Queen and will be PM till September.

Perhaps he could be persuaded to continue in the national interest. Wishful thinking, I’m afraid – what a shame.

Barry Gregory

Mickleover, Derbyshire