Letter published by Western Morning News:

“So Mr Swire, in defiance of the Electoral Reform Society, regards Devon East as a “safe” Conservative seat? But how would he know when, until recently, he he has little contact with his constituency?

Have his advisers not warned him of the huge popular support for homegrown Independent candidate Claire Wright who is now the only parliamentary candidate who could unseat him? Has he not been told that she has actually listened to the concerns of local people? Is he not aware of her impressive record of public service to her community in combating inappropriate development of East Devon’s precious green spaces, in campaigning for greater local democracy, and in fighting to keep hospital units and other key public services, all of which have been under sustained attack from Mr Swire’s government’s cut-backs? 

And does Mr Swire think that by erecting large expensive blue billboards in fields (often those owned by those who have been exploiting our green and pleasant land) that he can persuade the public to vote  again for a party whose planning set-up has given the green light to such developments?

It is often unguarded comments that show the true nature of a person. Mr Swire’s arrogant joke when acting as auctioneer at the exclusive Mayfair fundraising party in February reveals his  attitude to those less fortunate than himself – he said that anyone on benefits could afford to bid £55,000 to support the Conservative Party.”

Michael Temple (Sidmouth address and contact number)