Having pulled off an amazing electoral victory, the victor, Celia Barlow, almost immediately became a target for sniping.

It is unusual for a recently-elected MP to be so quickly vilified.

It appears some readers can't bear the thought of being represented by a woman. But a drastic re-adjustment of misogynistic attitudes will be needed, as the 21st Century will increasingly see women in positions of formal power and responsibility. Don't they say "the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world"?

-RG Jenkins, Welbeck Ave, Hove