I READ with interest your article which reported that Rowenna Davis had been short listed for prospective Labour candidate for the constituency of Southampton Itchen.

The city would be fortunate to have Ms Davis as one of its MPs.

She is a serious political thinker who is articulate and 'down to earth'; I have appreciated her balanced, progressive contributions to BBC Sunday Politics and Sky News as well as her articles in the national press.

Southampton needs a substantial figure to replace John Denham when he stands down as an MP. I think Rowenna Davis would be an admirable replacement.

Brian Strevens, Shirley, Southampton