A JET-SETTING candidate is under fire for spending weeks in Cuba — less than a month to the election day.

Liberal Democrats approved the two-week venture for Frank Bowles, Clydebank and Milngavie candidate for the Scottish Parliament election.

More than a hundred pictures were publicly available on Mr Bowles' Facebook showing the exotic trip as election campaigns raged on.

The 54-year-old is pictured riding a pink Cadillac around Cuba, visiting museums, having drinks and taking pictures of Communist battle tanks.

The party made the decision to stand Mr Bowles despite him making it clear he wouldn't be around to campaign.

The lack of presence is symbolic of the downfall of the Liberal Democrats across the UK, a candidate has insisted.

SNP candidate Gil Paterson said: “What is going on with the Liberal Democrats? They covered up for Frank Bowles non-attendance at a hustings two weeks ago by saying he was away on important business and was too busy. They sent along a regional list candidate to take his place who had absolutely no local knowledge. This shows no respect for the voters and is simply dishonest – no wonder any little support they had left is disappearing fast.”

Maurice Golden, Scottish Tory candidate, joked on Mr Bowles' Cuba trip.

He said: "Everyone is entitled to a holiday and Frank should enjoy himself while he can, because come the election he will be miserable."

Gail Casey, Scottish Labour Party candidate, slammed the candidates' ghostly presence.

She told the Post: “I attended a hustings in Bearsden last night and have to say was disappointed that the Liberal Democrat candidate was not in attendance, neither was Conservative candidate. It was a busy hustings and I can only say that my opponents who were not in attendance missed an opportunity to put their case to the electorate of Bearsden and Milngavie."

Mr Bowles explained how he was doing the party a favour by being the candidate — and had booked the trip already.

He said: "I was selected for this seat when the previous candidate falling very ill late in the day and at that time already had a holiday planned during the school holidays. As the lead candidate for the Liberal Democrats on the West of Scotland list, Katy is my running mate — and as you will be aware is one of the party's strongest prospects in Scotland — so I can assure you that the campaign trail was never abandoned!"

The Liberal Democrats ploughed on with standing Mr Bowles despite his absence.

A spokeswoman said: "Our candidate who was originally selected to fight the seat fell ill and had to withdraw in mid-march. They are currently awaiting surgery and we wish them a speedy recovery.

“Frank was asked by the local party to be the candidate and stepped in days before the campaign started to help make the case for a transformational investment in education that will help families right across Clydebank and Milngavie.”