ONE of Mark Harper' s high-profile supporters has refuted the MP's claim that the Forest sell-off row has been concocted by his political opponents.

Mr Harper ignored an invitation from HOOF rally organisers but issued a media statement, saying: "I am not surprised that the political opponents of me, my party and the coalition Government refuse to accept or believe the clear assurances that I have given on the contents of the White Paper and the Government's plans for the Forest of Dean."

But Mike Warburton, from Taynton, a tax director at accountants Grant Thornton who has advised the Treasury, said: "This isn't a political issue. I like Mark. I voted for him and have spoken at his invitation on the importance of cutting deficits.

"But the Government on this occasion has got it wrong. I really wish Mark would recognise the importance of this issue to his constituents and get behind them.

"Once you have sold off forest land you can't buy it back again. Someone will only buy it for commercial reasons.

"I can't think of anyone better to run it for the public than the Forestry Commission.

"The Commission seems to run at a deficit but this is not something that can be looked at in a simple profit and loss analysis. The Forest provides enormous benefits for all of us, residents and visitors."