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The Tory Defence Secretary has been branded "out of his mind" after allegedly calling for guns on tractors, missile systems disguised as Coca Cola trucks and his own medal.

Gavin Williamson has been the victim of extraordinary hostile briefing to usually supportive press - by what appear to be his own staff in the Ministry of Defence.

The mutinous comments are a major blow to the ex-chief whip, who spent months after his Cabinet promotion courting the media and holding high-profile political rows.

The 42-year-old former fireplace salesman was marked out as a leadership contender after he confessed to an affair and clashed with Chancellor Philip Hammond over defence funds.

But today, furious sources told The Sun they were at their wits' end with Mr Williamon's "crazy suggestions".

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

One moaned: "The man is out of his mind. His behaviour is totally bizarre and no one knows what to do."

According to the newspaper, Mr Williamson came out with the idea of putting "really expensive guns" on tractors at a summit on the equipment budget.

Witnesses were described as "open-mouthed" and "didn't know where to look".

Mr Williamson has since denied making the comment, according to the newspaper.

But during a meeting with Polish counterparts, he was also said to have suggested disguising a missile defence lorry as a Coca Cola truck.

"No one really knows why," a disgruntled staffer told the Sun.

(Image: PA)

He was also said to have suggested kitting out old commercial ferries to convert them for some military use. And he devoted "thousands of man hours" on plans to launch a UK Defence Medal, a source complained.

Mr Williamson's spokesman told The Sun: "He retains the full support of military chiefs. To suggest he is anything other than diligent is incorrect."

It is not the first time the Cabinet minister has been mocked by his colleagues.

Political rivals branded him "Private Pike" after he was given his military job, and he was widely criticised for telling Russia to "shut up and go away".

He was said to have boasted he could "break" Theresa May as she faced the prospect of being toppled over Brexit.