Keir Starmer was wrong to sack Olly Robbins | Brief letters

Perhaps the most damaging consequence of the Mandelson affair is not the fate of the prime minister (Report, 22 April) but the breakdown in the relationship between the government and the civil service. This relationship is crucial for good government. The removal of a distinguished civil servant for trying to navigate the competing pressures on him when landed with the Mandelson problem sets a dangerous precedent. It was the wrong decision, and should be reversed before lasting damage is done.
Tony Wright
Former Labour MP and chair of the public administration committee

This is such a Westminster bubble story. No one cares. People are concerned about prices, the NHS, childcare, student loans, jobs, racism, rightwing hooligans, even the lunatics in the White House and Kremlin. I’m no fan of Keir Starmer, but changing leaders now is an indulgence that this country can ill afford, and I think he is proving to be a serious statesman, which makes a pleasant change.
Carolyn Welton
Cullercoats, Tyne and Wear

Perhaps Keir Starmer could take some solace from remembering that Peter Mandelson was not the worst possible candidate for the role of US ambassador. Nigel Farage was also proposed (by Donald Trump). I make no comment on what the UK Security Vetting service might have discovered in his case.
Graham Head
London

As it looks likely that Keir Starmer will be replaced, why not ask him to resign as an MP so that Andy Burnham could win the byelection?
David Prothero
Harlington, London