In 1974 I backed John Noakes for PM. Who should lead us now?

Blue Peter presenter John Noakes with the show’s puppy, a border collie named Shep, in 1971. A few years later Ian Castle said the presenter had the leadership qualities Britain needed. Photograph: D Morrison/Getty Images

During January 1974 the UK was gearing up for a general election, with Ted Heath and Harold Wilson being particularly boring choices. I wrote and you published (22 January 1974) my suggestion that John Noakes would be a better leader.

Noakes was delighted with my suggestion and held out the Guardian to read the letter on Blue Peter. My young daughters were amazed and excited and could hardly wait to tell me about my brief moment of fame.

We now seem to have a similar choice of leaders: May, Corbyn et al. Sadly John Noakes, an inspiration to a whole generation, is no longer available to help (Blue Peter star John Noakes dies aged 83, 30 May). Any suggestions?
Ian Castle
Orford, Suffolk

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