LETTER : Sleaze row: Labour shuns its supporters

Sir: Whilst my political sympathies are not particularly with the Tories, I am concerned that we are not hearing the issues in the election aired because of the preoccupation with sleaze allegations. The agenda seems to have been seized by the rumour-mongers.

I suggest that The Independent take a lead, concentrate on policy issues and relegate the sleaze stories to small items elsewhere in the paper. I would hate Labour (or anyone else) to win simply because no "sting" had been directed at them. That would be bad for democracy.

JON S RICHARDSON

Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire