The MP for Crewe and Nantwich, Dr Kieran Mullan, has criticised the leader of Cheshire East Council over a social media video.

In the video CEC Labour leader Cllr Sam Corcoran, asked residents to "only go out when necessary", and act as if they were already under a lockdown.

Now, the Conservative MP has called this approach "not the responsible way to go about these things".

He added: "It is not clear if this view has been agreed with the Director of Public Health or the outbreak board. It is not clear on what evidence he has asked people to do this. Cheshire East is not subject to intervention and as of last week it was not on the watch list suggesting it isn't even among the 100 most concerning areas in the country.

"It is very important people follow the rules we have and be ready to follow stricter rules if they are deemed necessary. The situation can change quickly. I welcome anyone encouraging us to be careful and vigilant. But we are going to undermine our messages to the public if the council leader sees fit to go it alone and with very extreme messages. Timing is important in what we say to people. We need to see responsible leadership on such an important issue."

In response, Cllr Corcoran said Dr Mullan's comments were "really disappointing".

The Sandbach Heath and East councillor said: "I emailed [Dr Mullan] eight days ago asking for more [enforcement] powers. I have tried to work together across party political lines.

"At least it tells you that he is expecting a national lockdown later on. I am pushing for local powers from the government — I think local knowledge is far more valuable to say what restrictions you need in certain areas."

Cllr Corcoran made the same point to the parliamentarian on Twitter, to which the MP replied: "I was sceptical about the idea of you being given more power to determine lock down action and this has made me even more so."

The war of words comes just after the council's neighbours and public health partners, Cheshire West and Chester Council, moved to begin discussions with CEC over asking the government for a local lockdown.