MR Keith Reynolds, of Wyre Crescent, Darwen, states he hopes the electorate will "rid the country of Tony Blair and Co and thus improve education" (Letters, October 13).

Maybe Mr Reynolds could go back to school himself as the facts clearly show that at all key stages (ages seven, 11 and 14) and at GCSE (age 16) education standards have risen by between five and 12 per cent since Labour came to power in 1997!

Of course, more improvement is needed, but if the electorate wants to see this then clearly "Tony Blair and Co" are on the right track!

Coun DAVE SMITH, (Sunnyhurst Ward), Woodbank Avenue, Darwen.