HOW about giving a slightly more balanced view of the Tobias Ellwood salary increase rumpus?

You have published a condemnatory front page article, a similar column by Faith Eckersall and hostile correspondence in your letters column, all pillorying a good constituency MP and without showing any opposing view.

Here are some points to consider:

1) You fail to point out that the 10 per cent increase is completely wiped out by a corresponding reduction in expenses.

2) Personally, I want to be represented by someone capable and conscientious. Would you want the salary to be lowered so that only millionaires could afford to represent the electorate, or worse, that it would attract people not really capable of carrying the responsibility?

3) How about the editor of the Echo revealing his salary so that we can evaluate the relative worth of the two positions?

This is a cheap shot by the Echo and unworthy of good journalism.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

Ed’s note: Firstly, we did say the increases are being paid for by cuts in expenses, pension and severance payments. Secondly, my salary is not funded by the taxpayer, and thirdly, I am not moaning about my wage. Finally, Mr Ellwood has now responded to the story and we have given his comments the same prominence we gave the original article.