YOUR recent piece on the Spa MP's voting record was excellent journalism, but left me puzzled.

Mr Luff said that as a member of the Opposition he has to abstain. Why? I realise he is a Whip and must do as he tells others.

However, he seems to reveal why the Conservatives have been an incompetent opposition.

Liberal Democrats have sought to be constructive in our opposition. Generally we will vote for a second reading of a bill, and try to improve it as it passes through its various stages.

Many of our amendments are accepted, but we end up voting against the Government in more than half of divisions.

The Tories, by Mr Luff's apparent admission, prefer to sit on their hands.

I am among the first to agree that Mr Luff is hard-working. In fact I've heard he fires off press releases with the rapidity of a Wild West gunslinger. He follows up issues - and even creates a few.

But I am reminded of Stephen Leacock's knight who dashed out of his castle, leapt onto his horse, and galloped off in all directions.

Robert Browne,

Liberal Democrat Prospective

Parliamentary Candidate,

Mid Worcestershire.