IT is incorrect of D Brooks to assume that because I, and others, criticise the Tory Government for their failings that I, or anyone else, show bias in favour of the Labour Party, as his letter (Craven Herald, June 23) seems to imply. My criticism would extend to any political party or organisation that allows "special" advisors to enjoy special privileges that are denied the general public.

Speaking of Labour, though, I did take note of the swift and decisive action Sir Kier Starmer took when a colleague of his stepped out of line. Perhaps there's a lesson there for Boris Johnson, but then again, perhaps not!

D Brooks' makes no secret of his political bias, which is reinforced in his continued belief that Dominic Cummings committed no wrong.

Consistency in support of the Tory Government's contempt for the public remains in evidence still. Honesty, though, from Boris Johnson is as unlikely as his hollow appeals to those visiting the beaches during the hot weather to stay away.

Cummings enjoys the freedom to travel wherever he wishes, why shouldn't others?

I do not condone the actions of people breaching the rules of lockdown, but who knows, perhaps they had driven there in order to test their eyesight in preparation for an "urgent" journey?

I have never been a disciple of Jeremy Corbyn, but I find it baffling to understand how he has managed to "change London out of all recognition" from a position of opposition!

Can Corbyn really be responsible for the rapid rise in the number of food banks, for more people falling into poverty, and the increased amount of people sleeping rough on the streets? Corbyn is perhaps a genius and has fooled us all the time while enjoying a position of covert "special" advisor to successive Tory Governments since 2010! Was it really Corbyn that created the banking crisis and stuffed billions into the pockets of bankers at the expense of the economy!

If the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is serious in leading the country out of the current coronavirus crisis he would do well to start listening and act on his shortcomings (no pun intended) when the Labour leader points out areas where the Government could, and should, have done better during the Covid-19 outbreak, most notably in care homes.

Instead, when the Prime Minister is criticised he cries foul, shouts and waves his arms about like a frustrated child in a playground, failing in every attempt to provide a considered response as to how things could be better addressed.

Boris Johnson was a dismal Foreign Secretary, but if he is able to prove himself a worthy Prime Minister and achieve something worthwhile for the country, instead of the self-serving indulgences he is master of delivering for himself, I'll be the first to applaud him.

I will not be holding my breath, though, as it seems to me that Cummings is the real power behind the throne and Johnson's role has been reduced to that of a mere stooge.

Philip Dent

Gargrave