I HAVE just seen the result of the Conservative Party leadership vote - the result of the last few weeks of back stabbing, attempted character assassination and undermining of a leader voted to his position by a huge number of his party.

I must comment on the sudden appearance of our Ryedale MP on the scene as one of the gang of self-seeking wreckers doing their best to ensure a further term of office by the present mob.

Shame on you John Greenway. Ian Duncan Smith was made leader at a time when his party had a mountain to climb, the object of ridicule and facing being permanently in the wilderness.

It has taken him a long time, but very gradually he has thrashed out a programme with plausibility, eroded a massive Labour lead and won an increasing degree of respect from many ordinary people who recognise him as a decent man.

Elected by his whole party, it now is obvious that a few self-appointed "parliamentary wise men" can overturn the will of the party. These people who seem to thrive in the Tory party, having seen off so many in the past, have done it again.

IDS had every chance of winning the next General Election and would have had a fund of goodwill with all those people around the country sick to death of Blair's Government.

Don't bother knocking on my door come the next election Mr Greenway, you are assured of a right mouthful!

Charles Rushton,

Pasture Close,

Strensall, York.

...I FEEL very sorry for Iain Duncan Smith, and it is good that he still has faithful supporters and a loyal wife to encourage him during his struggles.

I heard him summed up on Radio 4 as a nice bloke and I think he is but, sadly, that is the last thing this country, or any other, requires as a leader.

Men and women who have truly made their mark as world leaders have some things in common - they are charismatic, good speakers, egotists and, most of all, relentless in their quest for power.

In the tough world of modern politics, a ruthless streak is of far more use than an altruistic one.

Bill Clinton, Indira Gandhi, Elizabeth I, Margaret Thatcher, John F Kennedy, Hitler, and Charles de Gaulle are some that come to mind.

When looking for someone to lead the country against people such as George Bush, frontman of the most powerful and self-seeking country on earth, apart from a one-off such as Nelson Mandela, "nice" people do not stand a chance. Iain Duncan Smith, John Major, Neil Kinnock and Jimmy Carter all fall into that category.

I only wish we could have a leader who truly puts the country first, stands up for decency, honesty and good old-fashioned standards and has a streak of altruism in his make-up.

Heather Causnett,

Escrick Park Gardens,

Escrick, York.

Updated: 10:06 Friday, October 31, 2003