The photograph is of Peter Lyburn. He is the Tory candidate in my area (Perth and North Perthshire). I've never set eyes on him so I have no idea if his photograph does him justice.
What I do know is that he's offended a great many people in this constituency with his recent behaviour and I'm not talking about only the 'ordinary' voter but prominent business people in Perth and Perthshire.
Mr Lyburn decided to send a letter, critising Labour's planned 1% rise in National Insurance, to the local newspaper, The Courier last week. However, as well as signing it himself, he signed it with the names of many local business folk - without asking their permission.
Paul Shields, the president of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, insisted he knew nothing about the letter, far less he would be a signatory to it.
"I haven't seen an open letter. I haven't signed an open letter. I haven't clapped eyes on an open letter.
"The Chamber of Commerce is very much a cross-party organisation. My own political opinions are private and I am not a member of any party.
Another local firm express concern. John Ferguson, a director of car firm Lamb and Gardiner said : "I didn't sign any letter. Peter was in the other day and he mentioned the NI increase.
"I feel he is taking a liberty. He even signed my name as the owner which I'm not. I have a partner and what is he going to think when he reads this?"
Is it legal to sign a letter with someone's name if they haven't given their consent? This is a gross breach of honour by Mr Lyburn, although it does show me that he's certainly not someone to trust. Even in his response he refuses to acknowledge it was a letter and calls it a list.
Mr Lyburn responded, “The Conservatives have been very clear in press releases and interviews that we welcomed support from businesses for our economic plans. Every business person on that list supports Conservative plans to scrap Labour’s jobs tax.”
Caron has also posted about Mr Lyburn's behaviour with the opinion that she doesn't see how he can continue in this election with any credibility at all. Completely agree with her.
My MP and MSP are both SNP. They treat their electorate with respect and do not take any support for granted. Take a leaf out of their book Mr Lyburn.
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