I WOULDN’T attempt to deny my working class origins. In fact, I’m rather proud of them. As a result, I often have some rough- tongued reactions to people like Ian Duncan Smith, who claims to be making working for a living a worthwhile proposition, while 60 of his cleaning staff are obliged to inform him that they simply can’t manage to pay their debts from the low wages he pays them.

These are not trouble-makers. They don’t even want publicity, just a fair rate of pay. Getting them enmeshed in a downward spiral of debt is disgusting and he should be ashamed of himself, but he’s well known to have a thick skin.

I do, however, take some comfort from the Labour Party’s performance in the local and council elections, whatever

William Hague wants to say about mid-term blues.

Walt Jackson, Llantrisant, Usk