Lord Frost is in no position to criticise Penny Mordaunt on detail | Brief letters

Brexit deal | Passing the marshmallow test | Truth-telling | Paul McCartney v the PM | Boris Johnson’s departure

Speaking of Penny Mordaunt and dealing with the EU, Lord Frost says that “she did not master the necessary detail in the negotiations”. This from the man who was instrumental in negotiating the Brexit deal, including the Northern Ireland protocol, oversaw it becoming part of a legally binding international treaty, then immediately turned around and said it was a crap arrangement, so much so that it justifies breaking the law?
Graeme Innes-Johnstone
Elland, West Yorkshire

• The marshmallow test establishes whether someone can resist temptation by not eating one marshmallow now, resistance being rewarded with two marshmallows after a delay. Young children usually fail the test – as, I would suggest, do the candidates for Tory leadership (with the possible exception of Rishi Sunak). Immediate tax cuts are favoured at the cost of not getting good public services in the future.
Prof Frederick Toates
Milton Keynes

• I would propose one simple test for Tory leadership candidates that could be very telling and would differentiate them from the current leader: in an interview situation, can they directly answer a question they have been asked?
Carolyn Sutton
Glastonbury, Somerset

• It is an unforgivable slur on Paul McCartney by Penny Mordaunt for her to liken him, one of the most generous, talented, lovable people in the world, to the selfish charlatan who presently occupies No 10 (Report, 13 July).
Mark Whitfield
Mojácar, Spain

• I can only think that the reason Boris Johnson plans to leave office with his “head held high” (Report, 13 July) is to avoid the foul stench he has left behind.
David Monk
Little Neston, Cheshire

Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication.

Letters

The GuardianTramp

Related Content

Article image
David Frost has ‘grave reservations’ about Penny Mordaunt as Tory leader
Former Brexit minister and other Liz Truss allies hit out at Mordaunt after she came second in first ballot

Aubrey Allegretti and Jennifer Rankin in Brussels

14, Jul, 2022 @10:50 AM

Article image
Penny Mordaunt’s credibility was destroyed by her claims about Turkey | Letters
Letters: The Tory leadership candidate’s misleading claim during the Brexit campaign should be remembered, writes Michael Lake. Plus Michael Peel on her music choice

Letters

12, Jul, 2022 @5:20 PM

Article image
Penny Mordaunt accuses Tory leadership rivals of ‘black ops’ campaign
Trade minister says spate of negative coverage is an attempt keep her out of final round of voting

Jamie Grierson and Peter Walker

15, Jul, 2022 @11:37 AM

Article image
Could Penny Mordaunt become Theresa May’s emotionally intelligent successor? | Katy Balls
If she can make a splash as defence secretary, this ardent Brexiteer could become prime minister, says the Spectator’s deputy political editor

Katy Balls

03, May, 2019 @9:26 AM

Article image
A cold response to Lord Frost’s resignation | Letters
Letters: David Smith thinks the Brexit minister either misunderstood the EU or underestimated its resolve, Peter Swann reflects on the right to express opinion, while Kathleen O’Neill wants to know more about the government’s direction

Letters

20, Dec, 2021 @6:18 PM

Article image
The Guardian view on Lord Frost: control him or sack him | Editorial
Editorial: Boris Johnson’s new EU relations chief is wrecking the agreement he once negotiated. The prime minister must rein him in or give him his cards

Editorial

04, Mar, 2021 @6:36 PM

Article image
‘Patriotic’ school anthem is pure anathema | Brief letters
Brief letters: Skorts | Wheelie suitcases | One Britain song | Lord Frost

Letters

24, Jun, 2021 @4:45 PM

Article image
Penny Mordaunt ‘only one in her family to support Brexit’, says uncle
Tory leadership hopeful with Irish roots has stayed silent on Northern Ireland protocol bill

Lisa O'Carroll and Jessica Elgot

18, Jul, 2022 @2:39 PM

Article image
Did the the Duchess of Argyll help Labour win in 1964? | Brief letters
Brief letters: Duchess of Argyll | Polly Toynbee | Retired teachers | Gabriel Boric | Grandfather clock

21, Dec, 2021 @6:02 PM

Article image
Promises that are never delivered | Brief letters
Brief letters: Missed delivery | Boris Johnson | Weird snacks | Barefoot moments | Private healthcare | AI boss

25, May, 2023 @4:32 PM