Letter: Howard's away

Sir: Michael Howard's decision to amble off into the political sunset this summer is far more significant for Conservatives than one ageing ex-minister opting out. Howard has seen the writing on the wall for himself and his party, and it reads, "Labour rules for the foreseeable future."

Is it really less than a decade since the lady who was "not for turning" was turned out of No10 by a rabble of jealous and incompetent political pygmies?

The rabble is now a shambles. The most ineffectual opposition in living memory - and worse is yet to come. It is still three years before William Hague fulfils his destiny by losing the next general election. Oh, how are the mighty fallen!

TONY THORN

Bordon, Hampshire