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The Liberal Democrat policy of a new higher rate tax band, used in part to pay for university tuition, seems to be popular among Lib Dem voters and members. The clamour to abandon it ("Lib Dem fees U-turn on cards", August 4) comes from a cabal of rightwingers in the party. They seem to have access to funds to set up think-tanks unavailable to those of us on the left of the party.

Promoting the reports from these think-tanks as if they were already party policy and terming those who oppose them "rebels" are well-known tactics.

But, more than the other two main parties, the Lib Dems rely on activists to create a visible local presence. Ultimately, party bosses need us.

If the Lib Dem leadership forces a U-turn on income tax and tuition fees, I shall regard myself as a Lib Dem on strike.

Matthew Huntbach
Lib Dem activist, London