A FRIEND of mine has pointed out that all eight of Dorset’s MPs have been returned as Conservatives - a tradition that has continued, with one or two exceptions, since the War.

Eight is a large block of MPs - almost as many as the ten DUP MPs that Theresa May is currently courting. The newspapers are buzzing with stories of the new roads, hospitals and schools that will be promised for Northern Ireland.

It strikes me - isn’t it time for our MPs to use their voting power for a better financial settlement for Dorset?

In the area I know - schools funding - Dorset is eighth from the bottom in the funding league, attracting £4,230 per student per year, as opposed to the £8,595 per student that went to the highest paid in the City of London.

Even leafy Hampshire, our richer neighbours, gets £7 million more than Dorset - this is because their MPs flexed their muscles and achieved something for their constituents.

I have been told that Dorset is known as ‘the Doormat’ because of our acquiescence to being treated badly by central government.

Well, here’s an opportunity for our MPs to do something about this lamentable state of affairs.

Mr Drax, Mr Letwin, what do you think?

Can you end the era of Dorset the Doormat?

Steve Elsworth Old Castle Rd Weymouth