Reg Jenkins (Letters, December 30) must come from a strange planet if he thinks there is anything democratic about the election of our Prime Minister.

There are 60 million people in this great nation of ours but only 300 MPs have any choice in the election of the Prime Minister.

In view of the number of years Mr Jenkins has been an active member of the Hove Labour Party, I am amazed he still thinks the views of the members are of any interest to the elected MPs.

As a member of the Republic Society, I meet party members from all over the country. The members of all three mainstream parties seem to have the same complaint.

Budding politicians promise what they like in opposition, then do what they like when in power.

Mr Jenkins should also know the party whip prevents MPs voting in accordance with the wishes of constituents.

It is worth mentioning there is no party whip in America. There, local taxes are raised by local people in accordance with their needs so the US government would not be able to impose massive council taxes.

-Simon Smith, Upper Beeding