IT is good news for the Labour Party and the country that Gordon Brown does not have to face a leadership challenge now that he has received the support of 308 of his fellow MPs.

A seven-week election campaign has now been avoided. The extent of Mr Brown's support will be a tremendous morale-booster for him as he prepares to become Prime Minister.

Credit must go to the MPs for having acted in such numbers.

LD Wilson, Guisborough, east Cleveland.