Labour Party leadership

Press, 8 January 1983, Page 12

Labour Party leadership

Sir. — William Richardson is fully entitled to his sour view of Bill Rowling's performance as a leader. However. he is quite wrong when he says (January 7) that Bill Rowling "led a party from the Treasury benches to’ this country's largest-ever political

rout." That deserved and dubious distinction belongs to the National Party's parents — the Forbes-Coates National Coalition Government which was crushed in the December. 1935, General Election, plunging from 50 seats to a miserable and humiliating 19. Opinions may vary, but the facts of political history remain. Hopefully the National Party could set a new record in this area in 1984. — Yours, etc.. M. T. MOORE. Januarv 7. 1983.

Sir. — Mr Anderton's call to Labour Party’ members to write and give their opinions on the leadership selection highlights the dilemma Labour finds itself in. Mr Rowling had wide party support and despite some shortcomings worked long and hard for his cause. The growing tensions within the caucus which forced his withdrawal now leave a choice

between the intellectuals, trendy ■ lefties and the old guard. The Suggestion of a lawyer as leader and a professor of law as deputy in the names of Messrs Lange and Palmer would make members of the first Labour Government. which for ever poured scorn on the legal fraternity, turn in their graves. Similarities between Norman Kirk and Mr Lange also call for caution. — Yours, etc.. J. F. GARVEY. Januarv 6. 1983.