North West Leicestershire's Conservative Party election candidate has launched a public attack on local MP Andrew Bridgen for meeting the Russian Ambassador.

Craig Smith says he is 'disturbed and appalled' by Mr Bridgen's recent comments on the Ukraine conflict.

The MP posted on social media about his meeting with Andrey Kelin, the Russian Federation's Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Mr Bridgen said: "I found the meeting incredibly productive and was pleased to hear that Russia is open to peace talks over the situation in Ukraine.

"Enough lives have been needlessly lost on both sides of this conflict and we need to find a peaceful resolution to this tragedy. 

"At the weekend, the Pope even said, "The strongest one is the one who looks at the situation, thinks about the people and has the courage of the white flag, and negotiates. When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate." which I would agree with. Now is the time for negotiation, not more bloodshed. 

"We don't want a war with Russia, we don't want war with anyone, for war has no winners on either side, only losers.

"It is now time to end the pointless bloodshed. It is a time for cool heads and negotiations, not a time to further escalate the crisis."

But Leicestershire County Councillor Smith made it clear he objected to Mr Bridgen's remarks.

He said: "Up until now, I've refrained from commenting on Mr Bridgen's viewpoints as it's his prerogative, whilst I disagree with many of his opinions, they are his to have, and its his decision if he chooses to advocate for them.

"However, I am deeply disturbed and appalled by his recent remarks concerning the situation in Ukraine.

"The invasion by Russia into a sovereign nation has led to the loss of countless innocent Ukrainian lives. It has uprooted and displaced families across Europe and is reminiscent of the tumultuous events of the 1930s.

"Ukraine has every right to defend itself, and Britain rightfully stands proud as an ally.

"Engaging with the Russian Ambassador and seemingly suggesting Ukrainian capitulation is utterly outrageous.

"My inquiry is simple – did Mr Bridgen raise the issue of his country's withdrawal from Ukraine with the Ambassador? Because, frankly, that is the only pertinent question to be asked.

"Like many, I yearn for peace in Ukraine. Almost two years ago to the day, at the onset of the conflict, I coordinated an aid collection in North West Leicestershire and personally led a convoy, covering 1,500 miles across Europe to deliver aid to the Ukrainian border.

"Witnessing thousands of people fleeing into Poland with their belongings crammed into cars, unsure of their return home, left an indelible mark on me.

"Mr Bridgen frequently alludes to his brief military service as a "Royal Marines officer," yet his failure to earn the Green Beret or complete training disqualifies him from such claims. In veteran circles, individuals like him are often termed "Bloaters."

"Having served over a decade in the Royal Air Force, I have first hand experience of the horrors of war during operational deployments.

"The British Armed Forces are renowned for standing up for our allies and neighbours; peace is never sustainable or just when the price is surrender to an invading force.

"Mr Bridgen relishes in employing Second World War analogies, so let me be unequivocal – with conduct like this, he mirrors nothing short of a modern-day Lord Haw Haw."

Coalville Nub News has approached Andrew Bridgen for a response.