I was astonished to see a recent party political broadcast by the Conservatives.

It professed to enhance social mobility if elected.

The Educational Maintenance Allowance, or EMA, is a means of improving the prospects of young people. I know of many teenagers who use this £20 payment to pay for an extra hour of extra curricular tuition per week.

This will enhance their chances of getting good A-Level grades.

George Osborne has said that he plans to abolish this incentive for young adults.

He said that he had looked at areas where cuts could be made, and this was a priority.

This is disgraceful conduct from a man who received an expensive education. It shows a callous disregard for the future talent of our country.

One has to be wary of the Shadow Chancellor. He was seen cosying up to a Russian oligarch while on holiday in Corfu – before flying back to the UK to give a speech on ...poverty.

He is not be trusted with the economy with his elitist outlook.

Susan Thomas, Magdalen Road,Oxford