FOR years women have been under-represented at Westminster. So, irrespective of one's political views it was good to see this being rectified at the last general election.

However, I have to admit that many of them are not representing their constituents as they should be.

"Blair's Babes" appear to have one function at Westminster and that is to agree with everything the Prime Minister says, whether it's good or bad.

Thank goodness for MPs like Audrey Wise, Diane Abbott and Ann Widdecombe, who stand up for what they believe in, even if it is against what their party leadership wants.

One does not have to believe in the policies of the above MPs to respect them.

They are women of principle not voting clones like many of the newly elected women MPs.

MRS J LEE, Ramsgreave Drive, Blackburn,

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.