Lessons from history for Britain’s warring parties

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jul/10/lessons-from-history-for-britains-warring-parties

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Timothy Sykes offers an interesting conceit (Letters, 9 July). Where, indeed, is our Henry VII, able to unite both party and country? But first, Henry, aided by his chancellor, Henry Morton, was ruthless with the over-mighty subjects of his time. So the question for today is where on the left is the person with the courage to take on the over-mighty subjects of today, the media barons, financiers and bankers who brought this country to near ruin? Tainted as it is by parachuted, focus-grouped, soul-less technocrats, the PLP provides few, if any, candidates for leadership able to offer the inspiration and hope for a better future that is so much needed, and that includes Jeremy Corbyn. Labour has been ruled by the head for too long. It needs to rediscover its heart and the voice to go with it.Roy BoffyWalsall, West Midlands

• I see Corbyn not as Edward IV but as Richard III, the powers that be vilifying him and ignoring his policies on social justice etc. Richard had a council heavily populated by allies from the north of England, now mirrored by Corbyn’s shadow cabinet. Then as now, the southern powerhouses were upset. During his reign Richard enacted legislation to secure equal justice before the law and other socially progressive measures, but he was betrayed by those close to him. His successor, Henry VII, carried out the most successful smear campaign of all time, even dating his reign the day before the battle in which he won the right to claim the crown. This made the anointed king, Richard, a traitor. It will soon be the anniversary of that battle – is that when the Angela Eagle or Owen Smith banners will be unfurled?Jane GrenfellBridgwater, Somerset

• Henry VII was related to the previous weak and feeble leader and had been away in exile for years. Now who could that be?Pete HanlonYork

• Attacks on Jeremy Corbyn look all too familiar to those of us who were around when Clement Attlee became premier. There was then a strong feeling among some of the party that he wasn’t up to the job and an attempt was made to replace him, led by Herbert Morrison, Harold Laski and others.

Attlee led a government of big beasts such as Bevin, Dalton, Bevan and Morrison, who got on with governing. He was not the sort of prima donna subsequent PMs have become but supported his ministers. I have been a doubter over Jeremy Corbyn, but a more collegiate approach to the working of a Labour cabinet on a new model would further the cause of a consensus Labour government in the future.Richard HendersonHertford