THE resignation of the Prime Minister's spokesman Alastair Campbell has spawned reports of "New" Labour turning over a new leaf in its communications strategy.

According to some, a post-spin culture is to be introduced at Number 10 Downing Street under the guidance of Peter Mandelson, described by one paper (The Independent on Sunday, August 31) as a "ministry of truth".

Mr Mandelson, it seems, has become a convert to telling it as it is by repackaging himself with the proverbial virtue claimed by one who has stopped beating his wife.

If telling the truth has now become fashionable among the practitioners of the dark arts, what can be supposed about the past?

More to the point, what can be supposed about the future?

Are we moving from "It's the truth" to "It's the truth. No, really"?

The fact is that nothing has changed. One has only to view former Dudley Labour MP Lord Gilbert on BBC2's Newsnight on recent occasions discussing the Hutton enquiry.

He has obviously been fielded to cast doubts on the character of Dr David Kelly.

The attempt by Tony Blair's other spokesman, Tom Kelly, to brand Dr Kelly a "Walter Mitty" backfired, hence the disgraceful performances of Lord Gilbert.

The days of Campbell, Mandelson and Tony Blair are numbered. The sooner they are gone, the better for the Labour Party.

PETER NIELSEN,

Worcester.