I THINK the reaction to the antics of former Communities Secretary Hazel Blears by correspondent Ian Sadler (HAS, June 8) perhaps tells us more about what he expects women to be rather than an appreciation grounded in plenty of experience.

Whenever human beings, whatever their gender, interact with others in a competitive setting they will use what assets they see themselves having, and gender is going to be one in a mixed gender setting.

There is the stereotype of the female being sugar and spice and all things nice. Anyone who has had anything to do with women will see that from time to time, but it is not a comprehensive appraisal of the nature of womankind.

In politics, all participants have an altruistic input, but they have to feel that they have a special contribution to make, and they expect others to recognise and value it.

Obviously, Ms Blears has made a calculation based on how her talents will in future be best appreciated. She will find soon enough whether she was right.

Geoffrey Bulmer, Billingham.