Independent backs Graham as Ruth Davidson pays a visit
An independent councillor has said he will be supporting the Conservatives in the upcoming general election.
Cllr Mike Barnacle, who represents Kinross-shire at Perth and Kinross Council, this week said he is urging residents to vote for Conservative candidate Luke Graham.
Luke Graham is hoping to get re-elected to the Ochil and South Perthshire seat, and is up against John Nicolson from the SNP, Lib Dem Iliyan Stefanov, Lorna Robertson from the Labour Party, and UKIP’s Stuart Martin.
Cllr Barnacle was first elected to the council in 1999, and although he sits as an independent councillor, is a former member of the Liberal Democrats.
Cllr Barnacle said:“As a former Liberal Democrat and current independent local councillor for Kinross-shire, I will be voting for Luke Graham.
“I am completely opposed to the break-up of the UK sought by the SNP in holding yet another divisive referendum and I feel it is imperative we honour the UK referendum result, get Brexit done as soon as possible, and move on.”
Luke Graham has since thanked the independent councillor for his public endorsement.
Meanwhile, Mr Graham’s campaign was given a boost when former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson paid a visit to the constituency.
She said:“Luke Graham has been a tremendously hard working MP for the area.
“He’s really put Ochil and South Perthshire on the map, and has made sure the Westminster government has put extra investment here in this part of the world.
“He will also stand up for our United Kingdom and will be a strong voice for Ochil and South Perthshire down in London.”
Mr Graham added:“The message we’ve received on the doors has been clear.
“We need to sort Brexit and stand against Indyref2 and move on, together, as one country so that we can start to tackle the issues that actually matter to people - crime, health, education and investment.”