DAVID Cameron has been far more brutal than was imagined in his recent reshuffle, firing and demoting more ministers than could be imagined.

However, I would like to pay tribute to Ken Clarke, who has served in every Tory Cabinet since 1972. Sir Edward Heath promoted him only two years after he entered Parliament.

While I strongly disagree with his pro-European views, at least he has been robust and consistent in his opinions.

As a young man he supported the right of Sir Oswald Mosley to speak at the Oxford Union despite deploring Mosley’s policies and opinions.

I hope one day he writes his memoirs, in which he can not only discuss his career but tell of his dealings with the good, the great and the ugly in politics.

Richard J Kidd, Danegeld Close, Andover.