Letter: The Archer lessons

Sir: I am sure that most of us at some time have told a white lie about coming home late from the office but, while I do not condone in any way Lord Archer's behaviour, it makes me sick to learn of his furiously sanctimonious condemnation by the Tory hierarchy just to deflect attention from their own inadequacy.

They forget all he has done for the party and the funds he has raised for their cause. Please let us have a little sympathy for someone who has been so basely betrayed for filthy lucre.

RICHARD APPLEYARD

Reading, Berkshire