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Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg has been threatened with legal action by the Beano for "masquerading" as a cartoon toff.

The kids' comic wrote a 'cease and desist' letter to the Old Etonian today accusing him of impersonating Dennis the Menace's nemesis Walter the Softy.

"It has been brought to our attention that you have been infringing the intellectual property rights of our of our cartoon characters and masquerading as Walter Brown," it says.

“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.

"This constitutes a clear infringement of our copyright."

Responding to the letter, Mr Rees-Mogg told the Mirror: "Compared to me Walter the Softy is a Rambo like figure whom I would not be bold enough to emulate."

(Image: Beano) (Image: Beano)

It goes on to list seven ways in which the Brexit eer North East Somerset MP has "distinctly copied" the snooty character.

They include his hair parting, round reading glasses, "vintage apparel", "bullish behaviour" that stops others from having fun and general "snootiness".

The kids' comic released the letter as a publicity stunt as it celebrates its 80th anniversary.

It adds: "We firmly request that you cease and desist in your ongoing impersonation of the character, which remains the exclusive property of Beano Studios.

"A swift response on this matter would be greatly appreciated to avoid getting Teacher involved."

(Image: Press Association)

Walter, who made his first appearance in 1953 as Dennis' neighbour, was originally called Walter 'The Softy' but the nickname - and effeminate personality - was dropped with changing British culture.

He is depicted as a cunning nemesis who connives to get Dennis into trouble.

Mr Rees-Mogg meanwhile was born in 1969 and has six children with wife Helena, whose ancestral wealth - passed down by an 18th Century Prime Minister - includes the sumptuous Wentworth Woodhouse estate and a horse whose portrait hangs in the National Gallery.

The MP has told how Tory hierarchy tried to stop him getting a seat in Westminster and is now a thorn in Theresa May's side as leader of the Brexiteer European Research Group.

Desperate to show his rebellious side, Mr Rees-Mogg pointed out he had once driven at 100mph on a British motorway, apparently breaking the law.

"I thought you might say I was more Dick Dastardly," he said of the incident, which happened "in my youth".