27 MARCH 1982, Page 15

Non-aligned

Sir:'You will please publish a retraction of and apology for Paul Johnson's baseless and damaging allegation (6 March) that I, who may be identified as the 'deputy' of Keith Harper, Labour Editor, am 'staunch Labour'. I do not support the Labour Par- ty, its Footite or any other faction. I am not nor have I ever been a member of that or any other political party.

John Ardill Labour Correspondent, Guardian, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1