SIR – I would concede that yet another ‘crime’ that can be laid at the door of the Blair regime is the phenomenon of the ‘professional politician’.

There was a time when – certainly on the Labour benches – politicians would predominantly be working-class, former trades union activists, usually sponsored by their respective unions. Almost without exception, they were there because they were committed.

Alas, like so many things, that is no longer the case. Nowadays, the party has been hijacked by an inner circle of shallow, middle-class, lack-lustres, whose common denominator is ‘a good line in chat’. But with current annual salaries in the region of £65,000 (plus expenses!), one would have to say, that’s not bad dosh for individuals whose abilities would otherwise qualify them to sell used cars or double glazing.

I was not surprised, therefore, when recent headlines revealed MPs think they deserve more – in some cases much more. The figures break down thus: Labour MPs think they are worth £77,000 pa. Liberals about £78,000 pa and Tories (surprise surprise) think they should be paid £96,000 pa.

Unfortunately, the MP selection process is so contrived and controlled, it seems unlikely any JFKs will emerge any day soon.

Christopher Hindle, Osterley Grove, Bradford