It should not be with a little disappointment to read another excessive diatribe from Michael Barltrop (Threat to hospital is still very real, February 19).

With his literal, venomous attack on Councillor Logie Lohendran-"disgustingly inaccurate and misleading", such disdain for another is not worthy of consideration, other than suggesting he seek advice from another Labour party ‘spin doctor’, who advised his then Labour MP ‘masters’ to seek a ‘shrink’.

His support for Siobhain McDonagh, one of a number of enablers, is understandable, but not of constitutional significance.

His mention of a ‘pathetic campaign’ to ruin the reputation of Siobhain McDonagh is typical unsubstantiated rhetoric that, paradoxically, could and with little assistance, do her more harm, than good.

However, if she offered any support to Michael Barltrop’s excesses would she ‘do for herself’-as well as he ‘does for himself’? Without significant input by other parties leading up to the General Election, Merton could inherit a borough-wide fiefdom -a quasi-elected dictatorship? If so, could that be a democratically elected outcome no one would have voted for? 

Bob Whitfield

via email