The mysteries of politics never cease to amaze.

Keith Isaac (Letters, August 18) brings into focus the name of Jeremy Corbyn and how there is every likelihood he will be swept to victory in the “race” to become Labour supremo.

Personally I think Labour have a lemming-like desire for self-destruction.

During the last fight to be the Leader of the Labour Party leader I, (and I suspect he too), fully expected to hear that David Miliband had been elected.

Then, completely out of the blue, the name Ed Miliband was plastered all over the papers and announced on radio/tv as being the duly elected leader.

He was virtually a name unheard of in comparison to David and history has proved he was totally inept in the position too.

I would imagine the Conservatives sighed with huge relief when they heard it was Ed and not David.

There is little doubt that if David had been elected the Labour Party would have made a very dangerous Opposition and may even have won the last General Election.

Now it appears the whole (futile?) exercise of having a new leader is being repeated. Jeremy Corbyn? Who he?

Maybe by installing Jeremy Corbyn, a genuine throwback to the days of trade union militancy, die-hard Labour Party members are hoping to return to those dire days of the closed shop.

Those collective sighs of relief (again!) from the Conservative Party would have reached storm force ten when it looks more and more likely Jeremy Corbyn will be the new Labour Party leader.

Philip Roe, Roman Avenue South, Stamford Bridge, York

 

With reference to Mr Cragg-James’s letter (August 14).

The figure of seven per cent of energy consumption for 2014 provided by renewables is a distortion of the true situation.

During the periods of highest demand, typically January and February, output by renewables consistently falls below one per cent.

Conversely, during the summer months when demand is lowest, renewables frequently have to be switched off to prevent overloading of the grid, while payments for theoretical output (standby) kick in.

In short, renewables don’t provide adequate power when needed and over-supply at other times. Hence the huge increase in electricity prices over the last ten years.

I don’t understand Mr Cragg-James’s point about “massively-subsidised fossil fuels”.

John Micklethwaite, Hollin Hill, Huby

 

This week I have received a letter from BT. I have never read such gaga in all my life.

They thanked me for being a loyal customer and for staying with them. No mention of a little remuneration for my loyalty.

Oh no, the gist of the letter was that from mid-September I was going to be paying more for their services, and if I jumped ship and went to another service provider I would have to pay a fine for doing so.

When will all this greed come to an end?

For many, telephones are a lifeline, especially if like me you live out in the sticks.

It’s all me, me, me – no consideration for age and ability to pay their exorbitant line rentals.

Ken Holmes, Cliffe Common, Selby

 

Help wanted over a wartime soldier As part of a family history project, I would like to make contact with anyone who either knew or is related to George Edward Morley, who was born in Pickering on January 31, 1926.

He was the only son of John G Morley and Margaret Sollitt.

He had five sisters (Doris, Doreen, Joan, Olive and Edith).

He served in the Green Howards (No. 14750296) in the Second World War until 1946-7.

So far, we have been unable to find out what happened to him after the war. If you think you can help, please contact me.

Geoff Otterburn, Secretary, Ryedale Family History Group, secretary@ryedalefamilyhistory.org or 28 Rosamund Avenue, Pickering

 

Where is the Christmas spirit in York?

The carousel, usually in the city centre, is to be pushed out to the Eye of York, apparently for purely commercial reasons.

Many local children as well as visitors enjoy a ride, but it appears to have been sacrificed for yet more Christmas shopping.

Win Derbyshire, South Esplanade, York