THE distinguished economist John Maynard Keynes once said that “When the facts change, I change my mind”.

Well in this instance, and I refer to this country intending to leave the European Union on the October 31, the facts have not changed.

Whoever becomes Prime Minister in a few weeks’ time will face the same facts as the outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May has faced. The European Union will not change its position on the terms negotiated for our withdrawal – fact number one. The economic forecast of Philip Hammond, Chancellor of the Exchequer that leaving the European Union without a deal will have a very grim set of consequences for our economy remains the same – fact number two! And on past performance, the House of Commons will not agree to the legislation needed to secure our withdrawal from the European Union – fact number three!

So where do we go from here? Jeremy Hunt may not be everyone’s choice to follow Mrs May but at least he has not been so devious as the other contender for the leadership of this country .namely Boris Johnson – for that reason alone he should be the next occupant of Number 10 Downing Street .

The election of Jeremy Hunt should at least go some way , and I belong to no political party, to restore faith in our political system –something which we might all agree is badly needed.

GORDON CANN

Craigmoor Avenue, Bournemouth