As Tories up and down the country try to launch themselves as the caring party, be warned.

New Scientist reports recent research has indicated people are more likely to kill themselves in the individualistic "winner-takes-all" societies favoured by right-wing governments.

Wide disparities in wealth also sharpen any sense of hopelessness.

During each period of governance under the Tories in the 20th Century, suicides reached record levels, whereas under left-wing governments they dropped.

Left-wing governments tend to be more "inclusive" and community-based, the research showed, decreasing the isolation felt by people down on their luck.

And for those who regard the Blair government as too right-wing, the report gives food for thought.

Since the present Labour government came to power, suicide rates are back down to the non-Conservative averages of the last century.

-Coun Mike Willson, Mile Oak Crescent, Southwick