AS A lifelong Labour party supporter, I have become dillusioned with our current long-serving and badly-led Government.

Against all reasoned argument it took us into a war against the Iraqi regime, ill prepared for the consequences and which now seems likely to drag on indeterminably.

Despite its denials, there is little doubt this has increased our risk of terrorist attack.

On the home front, its strong words against anti-social behaviour and violence have not been matched by positive action.

Indeed, in a situation where there is a direct link between increased crime and alcohol abuse, it chooses to increase drinking hours - again against all reasoned advice and logic.

The Labour Party has traditionally been seen as the party of high taxation and in the past revenue from this has, for the most part, been used for the welfare and benefit of us all.

In particular, inheritance tax and the higher rates of stamp duty were restricted to the wealthy.

Under our present Chancellor and PM in waiting, taxation has escalated and due to his deliberate failure in the light of increasing property prices to adaquetely adjust threshold levels, many of us on middle and low incomes will now face huge inheritance tax and stamp duty bills.

It is no wonder the Chancellor can claim the economy is buoyant.

On top of all this, Bexley residents now face the abominable incinerator, with ministerial approval.

Unless the Labour Party starts to listen to its electorate, it will surely be facing another 18 years in the wilderness.

Chris Pope, Nurstead Road, Erith