SIR - Given the massive damage to local authority budgets by the Government, Labour had very little to offer in last week's council elections.

So to win 35% of the vote, with a net gain of 82 seats and to control the same number of authorities as before the vote is no main achievement and shows that much of the electorate appreciate the difficulties for Labour in local government.

Labour had its best result in London since 1971.

On the other hand, the Tories suffered a net loss of 2 councils and have 96 fewer councillors.

Granted, it was a poor turn out, but if the results were repeated nationally they would put Labour in charge of a minority government.

Theresa May congratulated the Tories on Wandsworth Council but they lost seven seats!

If the Tory Party is serious about combating racism within its ranks why did it reinstate Tory Rosemary Carroll last Friday when she compared an Asian person with a dog last year?

John Appleyard, Firthcliffe Parade, Liversedge