SIR – After watching the Shadow Chancellor’s lacklustre performance when responding to the Autumn Budget Statement in the Commons last week, I wondered if Ed Balls MP was destined to be like Neil Kinnock before him, one of Labour’s greatest electoral liabilities.

His record as one of Gordon Brown’s closest advisors does not do him any favours, especially the Jack And The Beanstalk transaction when selling our nation’s Gold Reserves at a knock-down price!

Backbencher Alastair Darling, with previous experience at No 11 Downing Street, or even Shadow First Secretary to the Treasury, Rachel Reeves MP (Leeds), with no such baggage weighing her down must surely be a better choice for the voters.

Although Mr Balls seems secure so far, with Ed Miliband having already committed ‘Fratricide’ to become party leader, I wouldn’t bet on him still being Shadow Chancellor in 2015.

D S Boyes, Rodley Lane, Leeds.