Jack Lopresti has swapped his suit for a flak jacket (Image: Jack Lopresti X / Parliament Live)
Former Conservative MP Jack Lopresti has revealed a stark career move after losing his seat in parliament, as he joins the Ukrainian army.
Mr Lopresti, who represented the Bristolian seat of Filton and Bradley Stoke from 2010 to 2024, has now confirmed he has joined the Eastern European war effort including helping with weapons procurement.
The former Tory deputy chairman is now settled in Kyiv and working for the International Legion of Defence Intelligence.
He says his military duties include a focus on foreign relations and diplomacy, weapons procurement and supporting veterans and charities operating in .
Mr Lopresti described his new job as a “huge honour and an immense privilege”.
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Mr Lopresti is now serving in Ukraine (Image: Jack Lopresti X)
Speaking to the Independent, he said: “[The Ukrainian people] are not only fighting for their freedom and their right to exist as an independent and sovereign nation but they are also fighting for all of us in Europe and the rest of the free world”.
“If Putin wins in we all know he won’t stop there.
“Dictators have to be defeated or they never stop. The ramifications would also be enormous for the rest of the world particularly in places like Taiwan.
“With the authoritarian axis of dictatorships – China, Iran and North Korea – on the march and clearly working together must be supported and given the tools to win for all our sakes.”
Social media posts from Mr Lopresti last year confirmed he had signed up to serve as a patron for the Ukrainian Action group’s veteran rehabilitation programme.
A video showed him in joining Action’s 67th Convoy to , delivering vital medical kits, generators and other humanitarian supplies to the troops.
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He also revealed he applied to join the legion in November, but added: “It took a while to find the best unit to utilise my experience and skills.”
Sir visited Kyiv last month to sign a 100-year partnership treaty with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, adding that the UK has no plans to stop supporting the country.
The latest treaty will strengthen security in the Black Sea and the Baltic, as well as building economic and cultural ties.
Sir Keir said: “Putin’s ambition to wrench away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure.”
“Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level.”
Jack Lopresti lost his Filton and Bradley Stoke seat to the Labour Party last July with a 17.6% swing.