THERESA May has called a General Election allegedly to gain a greater mandate for Brexit. I think this is a smokescreen.

She already has that mandate and the Labour Party supported triggering Article 50.

More likely, she chose an early election in the belief of a Tory landslide and to divert public attention from at least 30 Tory MP’s currently under police investigation for election expenses fraud.

Under the Tories, funds are being removed from state schools so that that class sizes of 35 plus are becoming the norm.

They can find money, however, to finance the reintroduction of grammar schools.

Whilst it is true that in the 1950s and 60s grammar schools did help social mobility for children from poorer backgrounds, it was a time when the alternative was Secondary Modern, a leaving age of 15 and no opportunity to take public exams.

Now, comprehensive schools provide all children with equal opportunities, notwithstanding Tory education budget cuts.

Hospital waiting lists continue to rise, surgery for very sick patients is cancelled and exhausted junior doctors are leaving the profession in droves.

If the Tories are re-elected, they are coming after your pension next.

The Tory incumbent of Weaver Vale only has a majority of 806. He has voted with his party for every austerity measure they have introduced, regardless of the effect on his constituents. Go to the polls on June 8 and return a Labour MP for Weaver Vale.

Barbara J Keelty Northwich