Was My Chippy Wrongly Targeted by the Reform Boycott?

A chip shop owner has voiced his concerns over "misinformation" that led to a boycott of his business due to a mistaken link with a Reform UK by-election candidate sharing the same surname. Marco Valente, who runs Valente's Fish and Chips in Kirkcaldy, clarified that he and the candidate, Romano Valente, are not related, and he believes that a simple inquiry could have prevented the misunderstanding.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Marco Valente's chip shop has been targeted by a flyer calling for a boycott, mistaking him for Romano Valente, a candidate for Reform UK in the Glenrothes West and Kinglassie by-election. This flyer, which was distributed just two days before the election, urged customers to "bankrupt" Romano and to support other fish and chip shops that are "inclusive of everyone." Marco has publicly stated that he has no connection to Romano, highlighting the need for accurate information in political discourse.

Key takeaways

• Marco Valente's chip shop was wrongly targeted due to a name similarity with a political candidate.
• The flyer calling for a boycott was distributed shortly before the by-election.
• Marco has denied any familial ties with Romano Valente, suggesting that minimal research would have clarified the situation.

Timeline: how we got here

The incident unfolded as follows:

• 8 October 2023: A flyer calling for a boycott of Valente's Fish and Chips was delivered to Marco Valente's shop.
• 10 October 2023: Marco publicly addressed the misinformation and shared the flyer on social media.
• 8 October 2023: The Glenrothes West and Kinglassie by-election took place, with Romano Valente standing as a candidate for Reform UK.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Marco Valente's response to the misinformation has garnered attention, highlighting the potential impact of false information on small businesses. He has shared his concerns about the flyer, which he believes was intended to harm his reputation.

What was already established

It has been previously noted that both Marco and Romano Valente share the same surname, but they are not related. Marco's family has operated their fish and chip shop since 1921, while Romano's family previously owned a different chip shop that has since changed hands.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The incident raises questions about the influence of political campaigns on local businesses. For consumers, it illustrates the importance of verifying information before taking action that could harm a business. Marco reported no impact on his trade from the boycott call, indicating strong community support despite the misinformation.

Businesses and jobs

For small businesses, this event underscores the risks associated with political activities and misinformation. A call for a boycott based on erroneous assumptions can have damaging effects, even if the immediate impact on Valente's Fish and Chips was minimal. However, the incident highlights the vulnerability of local businesses to political narratives.

Policy and regulation

While there are no immediate regulatory responses to this incident, it raises broader questions about misinformation in political campaigns. There may be calls for greater accountability surrounding the distribution of misleading information, particularly in the context of local elections.

Numbers that matter

• 1921: The year Marco Valente's family established their chip shop in Kirkcaldy.
• 2: Days before the by-election when the boycott flyer was distributed.
• 4: Generations of the Valente family involved in running the chip shop.

Definitions and jargon buster

• By-election: A special election held to fill a vacancy that arises between general elections.
• Boycott: A refusal to buy or use goods and services from a particular business as a form of protest.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Marco Valente will likely continue to monitor the situation, ensuring his business remains unaffected by the misinformation. He may also consider further engagement with the community to clarify any misconceptions.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the political landscape evolves, there may be a need for businesses to be more proactive in protecting their reputation against misinformation, particularly during election periods. Marco's case may serve as a precedent for other local businesses.

Signals to watch

• Community response and support for Valente's Fish and Chips.
• Potential changes in local election regulations regarding misinformation.
• Similar incidents involving other businesses and political candidates.

Practical guidance

Do

• Verify information before sharing or acting on it.
• Engage with your community to clarify any misunderstandings.
• Maintain a clear separation between business and personal political beliefs.

Don’t

• Take immediate action based on unverified claims.
• Assume familial connections without sufficient evidence.
• Ignore community support and feedback during controversial incidents.

Checklist

• Have you communicated with your customers about any misinformation?
• Are you monitoring the impact of local political events on your business?
• Do you have a plan in place to address potential misinformation?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

This incident illustrates the potential risks small businesses face during political campaigns. The lack of proper verification before action is taken can lead to unnecessary harm. As misinformation can spread quickly, businesses must remain vigilant and proactive in their communications. There is also the possibility of further backlash if similar incidents occur in the future.

Bottom line

The situation surrounding Marco Valente's chip shop serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before acting, especially during politically charged times. For business owners, it highlights the need for clear communication and community engagement to mitigate the effects of misinformation. Moving forward, businesses should consider strategies to protect their reputations against unwarranted political attacks.

FAQs

Why was Valente's Fish and Chips targeted?

Valente's Fish and Chips was mistakenly targeted due to a flyer calling for a boycott, confusing Marco Valente with Reform UK candidate Romano Valente, who shares the same surname.

What did the flyer say?

The flyer called for customers to "bankrupt" Romano Valente and suggested they support other fish and chip shops that are "inclusive of everyone."

How has the community reacted to the incident?

Marco Valente reported an overwhelmingly positive response from his customers, indicating strong community support for his chip shop despite the misinformation.