ANDREW Learmonth’s article (Tory front bencher quits amid row over lobbying, May 17) exposes the hypocrisy embedded in the Conservative Party in Scotland.

Ruth Davidson’s comment “it is a mark of your integrity that you choose to step down” is to say the least unfortunate.

Peter Chapman should have stepped out of politics, but alas that would mean giving up his salary and that would never do!

By his actions he undermines public confidence in our parliament and thus make it easier for the Prime Minister Theresa May to ignore the wishes of the Scottish people.

I trust that the Scottish Parliament will treat the “unfortunate oversight” of not declaring a financial interest to be an insult to all the MSPs who diligently carry out their duties within the rules.

I would suggest that this is not a minor misdemeanour, as is being peddled, but a breach of trust in pursuit of financial gain.

Thomas L Inglis
Fintry