An Indian-origin Liberal Democrat Councillor and magistrate in the East Midlands city of Derby has come under fire after posing for a photograph with an AK-47 assault rifle. His party has launched an investigation.

43 year old Ajit Atwal has since apologized but has refused to resign, claiming that demands to resign were politically motivated before the May local elections. He revealed that photo was taken during his visit to India last September.

“I put it up naively. And looking back in hindsight I shouldn't have put it up. I wish I hadn't put it up. It was a holiday snap to be honest. It was taken in my father’s house while I was in India. The gun belongs to his bodyguard,” he said.

Atwal who will be running in election this year said that the photo has been his profile picture for several months. He has removed the photo after it came to light which he blames his political rivals for.

“It has been my profile picture on my Twitter page for seven months and no-one has complained during that time. But now, in the run-up to an election on May 22, someone has told the press about it. I am absolutely convinced that whoever has done this has done so for political reasons.” he said.

Meanwhile, Paul Bayliss (Labour), Derby City Council leader, said the photograph showed “an appalling lack of judgement” on Atwal’s part.

“I think Ajit Atwal should stand down from his role as both a city councillor and a magistrate. To be considered for both positions you have to pass a fit and proper person test and I think this photograph brings this into question,” he said. “He should consider his position,” he added.