Critics of David Cameron's tax arrangements should admit that they "hate anyone who has even got a hint of wealth in their life", a Conservative MP has said.

Rallying behind the prime minister, who has faced questions over an offshore fund set up by his late father, Sir Alan Duncan said Mr Cameron had been unfairly criticised.

He warned that if the PM's critics were not careful, "we risk seeing a House of Commons which is stuffed full of low achievers, who hate enterprise, hate people who look after their own family and who know absolutely nothing about the outside world".

Mr Cameron said he was "grateful" for Sir Alan's support, before saying MPs should not be forced to publish their tax returns as it could discourage people from seeking election to Parliament.