Esther McVey has been criticised by senior Conservatives after claiming that parents should be allowed to withdraw children from primary school lessons on LGBT relationships.

The Tory leadership candidate was attacked by Amber Rudd, the work and pensions secretary, and Justine Greening, the former education secretary who is the first openly gay female cabinet minister.

In recent weeks, almost daily protests have been held outside Anderton Park primary school in Birmingham over lessons for youngsters on gay equality. Damian Hinds, the education secretary, has called for the protests to stop.

Ms McVey, 51, a former work and pensions secretary, told Sky News: “I believe parents know best for their children. Whilst they’re still children . . . the parents need to have the final say