A CONSERTIVE candidate has made a schoolboy-error after he jokingly told a student to "**** off back to Scotland". 

James Heappey was visiting Millfield School when he addressed a group of sixth-formers. 

Mr Heappey, who is contesting the seat of Wells, was discussing the issue of Scottish independence when one girl said she'd vote to leave the UK.

His foul-mouthed response didn't go down well with the girl as she left the meeting and complained to her Scottish National Party supporter father. 

Mr Heappey has since written a letter of apology to the girl, claiming he honestly meant it as a joke. 

He told the Sunday Mirror: "I made a comment – intended only as a joke – but it was inappropriate and I am deeply sorry for any offence caused.

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“I wrote to [the pupil] soon after the school brought her concerns to my attention and apologised unreservedly.”

Tessa Munt, the Lib Dem standing against Mr Heappey, said: “School is meant to be a safe place. We send our children to school in the expectation that they will be treated fairly and with respect by people in positions of power.

“I am utterly shocked that the then MP has used bullying, racist and abusive language to dismiss a teenage schoolgirl engaging in political debate."