SIR – You regularly publish letters from Lib Dem councillors explaining why the Alternative Vote is a fairer way of choosing our Members of Parliament on the grounds that the eventual winner will have the support of the majority of electors.

I see this as nothing more than special pleading by the Lib Dem MPs to replace the first-past-the-post system which has had the effect of condemning most of their candidates to perpetual runner-up status.

In the recent Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election, for example, Labour actually increased the number of votes won at the General Election by 532, even though turnout was down by nine per cent. At the same time, Lib Dem votes fell by almost 3,000.

With Labour’s share at just 40 per cent, AV would have brought the Conservatives’ second preferences into play. Given the present cosy relationship between Clegg and Cameron, most of these could well have gone to the Lib Dems, meaning that their candidate – although trailing by some 3,500 votes – could easily have been elected. If that’s fairer, then I’m a Dutchman!

Brian Holmans, Langley Road, Bingley