I MUST admit never to having understood all the fuss about MPs’ expenses. Without condoning them, we have to accept such things happen, always have and always will, and the sums aren’t spectacular.

What I can’t get over is the way leading Cabinet ministers have lately been jumping ship, and doing it in such a way as to cause maximum embarrassment to the Government.

Surely, in times of crisis the thing to do is to close ranks around your leader, especially when he himself is under personal attack. Obviously, this isn’t what’s happening, and it makes you wonder just what sort of people have been governing us.

Loyalty is the one value that matters more than any other.

Without it, though you have all the talent and charisma going, you will ultimately be found wanting, and fundamentally so.

Tony Kelly, Crook, Co Durham.