A SURPRISE candidate emerged in the Perth and Kinross by-election
yesterday, when a rogue ''Scottish CONSERVATORY and Unionist'' candidate
lodged nomination papers.
Disillusioned Tory businessman Michael Halford, 46, entered the fray
with a description designed to split the already diminishing Tory vote.
Mr Halford, 46, said last night: ''I am disgusted at the Conservative
Party sending a boy to do a man's job in Perth and Kinross.''
Mr Halford, a publican from Dundee, disclosed details of a manifesto
which includes the local umemployed acting as beaters on the Perth and
Kinross grouse moors.
Last night, a Scottish Conservatives' spokesman said: ''The presence
of a fringe candidate calling himself a Scottish Conservatory and
Unionist represents a blatant spoiling tactic.''
Nine candidates had their nominations accepted for the Perth & Kinross
by-election at the close of nominations yesterday.
They are: Douglas Alexander (Lab); Gary Black (Natural Law Party);
Roseanna Cunningham (SNP); John Godfrey (Con.); Michael Halford
(Scottish Conservatory and Unionist); Robin Harper (Scottish Green
Party); Vivian Linacre (UK Independence Party); Veronica Linklater
(Scottish Liberal Democrat); Lord David Sutch (Official Monster Munch
Raving Looney Party).
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