SIR – I completely agree that fuel poverty is a serious issue and wish that the Government would give it real time in the House of Commons. If they don t, they are treating pensioners with even more contempt than they have in the past 10 years. However,

SIR - I completely agree that fuel poverty is a serious issue and wish that the Government would give it real time in the House of Commons. If they don't, they are treating pensioners with even more contempt than they have in the past 10 years.

However, to attack Grant Shapps on the premise that he's somehow neglecting local people by not voting on this fuel poverty bill is ridiculous.

Mr Shapps is the first MP we've had in a long time who has truly proved his commitment to local people. He is not one to swan off to Westminster, never to be seen again.

He has solved problems for me brilliantly and, though I have previously voted for other parties, he has definitely earned my vote.

Whatever the delicate balance between Westminster and Welwyn Hatfield must be for an MP, I think that Mr Shapps is one who has just about got it right. Rather than spend time criticising Mr Shapps, I would politely suggest that the Lib Dem candidate for his job could instead learn a thing or two.

Jeremy Blake, via email