I RECENTLY unearthed a copy of the Oxford Mail, dated November 23, 2004. In it was a letter from Andrew Smith, the East Oxford Labour MP giving his reasons for resigning from the Cabinet.

He stated that he wished to continue to support Tony Blair as Prime Minister and the Government’s programme of social justice, a strong economy and opportunity for all.

In his view – at that time – speculation about the leadership of the Labour Party was a futile distraction.

Apart from speculation about the present leadership, for whom he has also declared his allegiance, how times have changed in five years.

We now have not social justice – except for criminals, international terrorists here illegally and bent MPs – a bankrupt economy and no opportunity for those thrown on the dole due to Labour’s mishandling of the country.

I wonder does he still believe in those views?

DEREK HONEY Queen Emma’s Dyke Witney