Letter: A suitable vacancy for John Major

Sir: Isabel Hilton (19 May) is not correct in stating that no deputy leader of the Labour Party has 'managed the transition to leader'. Clement Attlee became deputy leader in 1931 and leader in 1935 (cf letter, 20 May). Michael Foot became deputy leader in 1976 and leader in 1980.

Yours sincerely,

MERVYN JONES

London, SW1