So the Conservatives consider Hertsmere a safe seat? (Website blunder reveals Tories see Hertsmere as a safe seat, www.borehamwoodtim-es.co.uk, February 13). This display of confidence by the Conservatives borders on blatant arrogance and contempt for the electorate of Hertsmere.

When coupled with the revelation in the Borehamwood & Elstree Times of Conservative candidate Oliver Dowden cutting a ribbon to open the Vodaphone shop in Borehamwood, this will be construed by many as an act of shameful detachment and political indifference to the plight of those families who live in Hertsmere and pay their hard-earned money in taxes.

Vodaphone with a turnover of £5.2billion last year, paid no corporation tax to our exchequer in the previous three years, yet enjoys the patronage of the candidate and the public endorsement of a political party holding one of the safest seats in the country.

The respective mayors of Hertsmere and Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council in their capacity of being apolitical would, in the absence of a celebrity, have performed this function.

Therefore, if the Conservatives are as confident as they believe, why demean their heritage and treat their supporters with disdain by ‘getting into bed’ with this company?

Meanwhile, back at HMRC, the UK tax officers allege that the total amount owed by Vodaphone is nearly £7billion, with only a fraction of that sum, £1.25billion being paid.

Once again the UK taxpayers will require to make up the short fall.

Frank Ward

Chairman, Hertsmere UKIP and PPC