8 JUNE 1974, Page 4

Sir: No amount of Coggrave whitewash gets over the fact

that Mr Powell stands condemned on two counts. His petty and spiteful compaign culminating in his ludicrous vote for an extreme left wing candidate was undoubtedly responsible for the Marxists' narrow victory.

What also are we to think of a man who having represented his constituency for twenty-four years walks out three weeks before the election?

His latest ploy is to attempt to regain favour with Mr Heath's moderate socialist party — a pointless, fruitless exercise.

The only honest cause open to him is to do what he should have done long ago — form his own party!

P. M. Ward 21 Lennox Gardens, Dollis Hill, London NVVIO