Sir -With all the ongoing concerns about “cash for questions” amongst MPs, dodgy funders for political parties and large multi-national companies not paying tax in the UK, I was astonished to read that Mid-Worcestershire Tories had chosen a parliamentary candidate who works for Google, a company that apparently does not pay tax in this country.

This Tory candidate should come clean with the electorate and explain what his future relationship will be with Google. Also whether he proposes to have this or any other paid outside interests should he become a MP. It is important for the electorate to know that any candidate will be representing them and not some outside body, particularly those that do not pay tax in this country.

Ed Milliband has made the brave, determined decision in Labour’s manifesto to prevent any Labour MP holding directorships or consultancies after the next election. As stated in a letter to David Cameron: “the British people need to know they are electing someone who will represent them directly, and not be swayed by what they owe to the interests of others”. David Cameron does not appear to have the courage to take this step with his own party and has regretfully rejected this proposal.

I don’t doubt the Tories will continue in their old ways with that hoary old chestnut that every donation and earnings outside parliament will be recorded in the Register of Members interests. But this stance will no longer wash with the public because it does not take away public suspicion of who their MP truly represents. True democracy in this country is now seriously under threat, so the Tories need to wake-up to the new agenda for democracy. The public are demanding it.

Will any of the other political parties now have the courage of Ed Miliband and demand their candidates and MPs do not have any other paid outside interests. It would be interesting to hear from all the other parties.

Andrew Dyke,

Bishampton,