Robert Jenrick has denied looking too much like a “Tory boy” to have appeal in the country, after Michael Gove levelled the criticism at him.

The former Cabinet minister and now-editor of the Spectator said that one of Mr Jenrick’s biggest issues is he “looks like a typical Tory politician”.

This morning Mr Jenrick slapped down Michael Gove, joking that he would never take leadership advice from someone who twice mounted failed leadership bids themself.

Mr Jenrick tersely said: “The last person I would take advice from in a leadership contest is Michael Gove!”

Mr Gove attempted to become Tory leader twice, once in 2016 and again in 2019, coming third in both.

Following Mr Gove’s initial criticism, a source from Mr Jenrick’s campaign furiously lashed out at the former top Tory’s record in the party.

A spokesman said: “Michael Gove and his acolytes have been responsible for so much of the infighting and drama that has led our party to where it is.

“Rob’s going to end that drama and the excuses that followed and just deliver for our country.”

He was backed by Mr Gove’s former Cabinet colleague Nadine Dorries, who pointed out on Twitter that Mr Jenrick’s “mum was born in Liverpool and was a secretary. His dad ran his business out of the back of a white van. They were solid working class.”

“By pejoratively calling Jenrick a ‘Tory boy,’ Gove has just insulted the vast majority of party members.”

Mr Gove is publicly backing Kemi Badenoch for Tory leader, praising her as “brave” and “courageous”.

He told the BBC: “Courage is Kemi’s hallmark”.

“One of the criticisms directed at her is that she is too willing to get involved in a scrap. I actually think it is a virtue”.

Tory members are currently submitting their ballots, and Rishi Sunak’s replacement as party leader will be announced on November 2.