Class apart

Andrew Gray (Letters, 4 January) is unrealistic in expecting Gordon Brown to dismiss Chancellor Alistair Darling on the grounds of his public school education. Such a policy would deprive him of other key members of his Cabinet, including Harriet Harman (St Paul's Girls' School, fees £5,000 a term), Hilary Benn (Norland Place School and Westminster Under School), Ed Balls and Geoff Hoon (both Nottingham High School).

Carole Thatcher, George Osborne and Ken Clarke are, respectively, other notable alumni.

Given Mr Brown's privileged fast-track education at Kirkcaldy High School and background, a little less of Labour's hypocrisy on this topic would not go amiss.

KENNETH COWE

Cromar Drive

Dunfermline, Fife