I AM writing in reply to Mrs B Willets' poem 'Name the Clown', featured in the BEN on Monday, June 25.

As the subject of the poem was "yours truly", I would just like to offer a huge thank you to the poet in question.

It is every poet's intention to not only evoke poetic pleasure, but to encourage emotions, debate, criticisms, even outcry and outrage. Has Mrs Willets read Tony Harrison's 'V'?

Once again, thank you Mrs Willets. If the Conservative Party had a few more MPs with your gusto, then maybe (just maybe) Labour's majority will be reduced a fraction more next time around.

D P Crompton

Pimlott Road

Hall i'th' Wood

Bolton