Letter: In the fashion of a political wife

Sir: Tamsin Blanchard emphasises the radical chic of Cherie Booth's post-makeover appearance in her new-style suits and blouses ('A woman who adds flair to the party of Blair', 5 October).

Gone may be the running mascara and feathered haircut. But so also is the confident, outward look to camera, to be replaced by a demure downward glance or, more noticeably, the intense, upward gaze at her husband, perfected by Nancy Reagan. What law of wifely political correctness says that a 40-year-old, high-flying barrister and mother of three should wear a skirt three inches above her knee? And will it affect the course of history?

Yours sincerely,

E. J. DICKEN

Terrington St Clement,

Norfolk

(Photograph omitted)