PRIOR to 1997 it was clear the Tories had been the architects of their own downfall.

For the next ten years we have enjoyed an era of reasonable prosperity and I am sure if Tony Blair had not got involved with George Bush he could have been PM for as long as he wished, notwithstanding Gordon Brown.

Mr Brown has had a difficult few months, but something has changed.

I am sure Mr Brown is, and will be, a good PM, but there are dark forces plotting his downfall.

Mr Blair, though born in Edinburgh was not outwardly Scottish, but Mr Brown certainly is.

Hardly a day passes without the media saying the health service is floundering, schools are failing our children, our transport system is no good and one ridiculous story after another.

The Tory heartlands of the shires are working overtime to discredit Mr Brown, but they may get a shock come election time.

It will be David Cameron's biggest nightmare if Mr Brown is successful in 2010 as it will be the end of being head of the Tories.

Hugh Pender, Darlington.