His cut-glass accent and fondness for double-breasted jackets have earned him a reputation for being the “honourable member for the 18th century”.

But now Jacob Rees-Mogg, the prominent Tory backbencher, has been warned he faces legal action after the popular comic Beano accused him of impersonating one of their most well-known characters: Walter the Softy.

Beano Studios has written to the Conservative MP, warning that his distinctive style is a rip-off of Walter and calling on him to "cease and desist".

In a letter circulated on Wednesday, Mike Stirling, the head of Beano’s operations in Scotland, claimed that Mr Rees-Mogg was guilty of mimicking everything from Walter’s hair parting through to his vintage apparel and appreciation for classical music.

Accusing the Mr Rees-Mogg of "masquerading as Walter Brown", Mr Stirling wrote: "It is evident that there are numerous instances whereby you have adopted trademarked imagery and brand essences of the character to the benefit of enhancing your career and popularity.