A BRITISH MP who visited war-torn Ukraine to deliver aid made advances towards his translator – texting her: “I want you.”
Lib Dem Cameron Thomas has been accused of “abusing his power” by sending the messages to the Ukrainian translater assigned to his trip.
The newly-elected MP for Tewkesbury also texted the woman: “I wish I could stay with you for a few days.”
He sent the messages – seen by The Sun on Sunday – while on an official trip to Kyiv in February this year to mark the third anniversary of the war.
The delegation included other MPs and political aides.
Mr Thomas, 42, then went on to deliver aid to Kharkiv, near the frontline of fighting.
A Conservative MP familiar with the allegations stated, “Considering the bravery and sacrifice demonstrated by Ukrainians in their battle for the survival of their nation, it is inconceivable that one of our MPs would treat an official visit to a warzone in this manner.”
“To abuse his power as an MP by preying on a young woman is disgraceful.
“The Liberal Democrats should remove the whip.”
When approached by The Sun on Sunday regarding claims of “inappropriate” behavior, a spokesperson for Mr. Thomas responded, “These are private messages between two individuals who have stayed in touch.”
The Sun on Sunday also understands that Mr Cameron was using his UK personal phone in Ukraine.
Politicians who have traveled to Ukraine on different occasions have mentioned they were advised against bringing their UK phone, suggesting instead to use a burner phone while in Ukraine, due to the threat of Russian hacking.
This raises questions over whether Mr Thomas’ phone was compromised on the trip.
A spokeswoman for Parliament refused to say what security advice was given to Mr Thomas for the visit.
Mr Thomas, who used to be in the RAF, has previously spoken about the trip, telling the BBC: “When we were dropping off aid you can feel the gratitude.
“They regularly cite our finest hour, the Battle of Britain, as a template for what they are doing – standing up to a far superior power and holding their own, and that makes me proud to be British.”
A Parliament spokeswoman said: “The Parliamentary Security Department provides advice to Members of Parliament on overseas travel which draws on FCDO advice. However, we are unable to comment on specific cases.”
The Lib Dems declined to comment.
