21 SEPTEMBER 1974, Page 4

Front Miss Judith Empson

Sir: Mr Cosgrave suggested in his article last week (September 14) that Sir Keith . Joseph is to be the next leader of the Tory Party —he had first better make up his mind about whether he is a capitalist or a socialist. If he were a capitalist he would not feel guilty about being rich and have thrown himself into "welfare work" — whatever that may be.

It seems quite outrageous that when Mr Powell spoke out on the economy of this country he was jeered at by press, television, radio and politicians alike, but when Sir Keith Joseph says word for work what Mr Powell has said since he entered politics, Sir Keith is proclaimed "next leader of the Party" and bowed down to in general.

What the Tory Pary now needs is a leader in whom it can trust and who has been consistent in his ideas and policies and not someone who jumps on any old bandwagon when it is going in the right direction.

Judith Ernpson Greenacres, Upper Bromlow, Minsterley, Salop.