You have published my letters in this newspaper on several occasions and often they have been concerned with how many of us in Watford and Hemel Hempstead are struggling to make ends meet.

This is hardly surprising given that food inflation is currently 17 per cent; big increases in energy bills and the NHS and education service under severe strain. I usually conclude by suggesting that you give local MPs Mr Russell (Watford) and Mr Mohindra (SW Herts) the opportunity to comment on these matters because they are, after all, of major importance to all of their constituents.

So I was pleased to see in last Friday’s Observer that you had given Mr Russell space in your newspaper. However, having read it I was disappointed to see that he used this opportunity not to discuss the great issues of the day but instead announce a competition to “Design a card fit for a King”.

Where are his sense of priorities? Honestly you couldn’t make it up. I hope voters share my views.

Philip Parry

South West Herts Labour Party