Sir – The Prime Minister justified not funding a nationwide mail-shot for the recent police commissioner elections on the need to save money at a time of national austerity.

In fact, as council taxpayers, they cost us all dear to staff the polling stations, most having six or more clerks to deal with a turnout two could have managed.

Eynsham illustrates the confusion that was sown in the minds of the public.

A councillor distributing leaflets for the Tory candidate told a friend he wasn’t voting and recommended she shouldn’t either, because the elections were a pointless wheeze dreamed up by Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats – conveniently glossing over the fact that they were one of David Cameron and Teresa May’s flagship policies.

Don Chapman, Newland Street, Eynsham