The Telegraph reports that Lord Tebbit has told friends that he believes the Tory leadership would like to expel him over his strong criticism of attempts to attract more ethnic and women candidates.

It is reported that the option of withdrawing the whip from Lord Tebbit has been discussed within the higher echelons of the party, but sources said it has been ruled out for the time being.

Lord Tebbit has also criticised Theresa May's description of the Conservatives as the "nasty" party earlier this week.

He told the Today programme that the only nastiness "was among the group of people who pulled down Margaret Thatcher and left the party utterly rudderless for some time".