GAVIN 'I want to be the MP' Smithers is correct to say that the letter about school funding that Jacqui Smith is asking parents to sign is political.

The letter is asking Labour politicians and a Labour Government for help and special consideration - it would be politically stupid to send in a letter that was rude and did not give credit where credit was due.

The fact is that schools spending in Worcestershire did rise by 8.1 per cent last year and it is true that the Labour Government is changing the funding formula. The Tories never did.

As for the Conservatives bleating about funding, their spending cuts were overwhelmingly rejected at the last General Election, when Gavin failed in his attempt to become a Tory MP.

Gavin, you will never succeed in politics unless you start trying to do the best for the people of Redditch instead of spending your time running down people like Jacqui Smith, who are doing their best.

Mr Smithers' misunderstanding of the letter makes me think that he didn't get sent one.

Could this be because he chooses not to send his children to Redditch schools, unlike our MP, and where does that leave his credibility when trying to argue about standards in our local schools?

At least our MP has a personal interest in our schools, not just a political one.

Clare Hopkins

Great Barn Lane

Webheath