Behind the pack
Sir: Melissa Kite (‘Labour’s Iron Lady’, 21 January) writes an excellent article examining the pros and cons of Yvette Cooper’s suitability for leadership of the Labour party. She is quite wrong, however, to state categorically that ‘Cooper’s intelligence is beyond doubt’. Cooper’s academic ability may be so described but, dear oh dear, anyone who could have sponsored, let alone championed, the ludicrous Home Information Packs (Hips) fiasco could never, by any stretch of the imagination, be described as having intelligence beyond doubt. Academic success and intellectual prowess are the result of having a good memory and the ability to read fast. Nothing more. Intelligence is quite a different matter.
Christopher Andrews
Coulsdon
Not just Balls
Sir: Peter Jones says Aristotle wouldn’t have approved of Ed Balls because the shadow chancellor takes the electorate for fools (Ancient and Modern, 21 January). I’m no apologist for Balls, but couldn’t this Aristotelian criticism apply to any frontline figure in party politics?
Currer Ball
By email
Return of the hamster
Sir: Toby Young and his children (Status Anxiety, 21 January) should not despair.
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