THERE has been much spoken about our Lord Mayor Elise Benjamin lately, including on Sunday on Radio Oxford.

I am aware that there has been a misunderstanding between Elise and John Kelly. John is a respected member of the community and we meet at the repatriations.

I welcomed Elise when she was first able to attend a repatriation and I introduced her to Jim Lewendon.

I cannot see anything wrong with the way she dresses. I think the media has blown the whole thing out of proportion. Whether Elise is there for herself or as a representative of the city makes no difference, the fact that she is able to attend is what matters.

On the radio, I didn’t catch all of the debate but I did hear one lady say that if Elise is there as the mayor she should use the official car. What a load of tripe, Elise practises what she believes and rides her bike, which saves the taxpayer money.

Another speaker was talking of dress code and he said the wearing of jeans, as they are casual wear, was disrespectful.

I sometimes wear jeans, as do a lot of the people there. We are no less disrespectful to the boys coming back than someone dressed in a suit.

We are all there for the same reason, all equal – even our MP Andrew Smith, when he is able to attend, sits on the wall, chatting informally to his constituents.

Why has this whole situation got to this stage? Let us remember why we are there.

MICHAEL CLARKE Lewell Avenue Old Marston Oxford