The Beano comic has written to Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg complaining that he has infringed their intellectual copyrights by impersonating one of their most well-known characters, Walter the Softy.

In a letter sent to Rees Mogg c/o the House of Commons and tweeted by the Beano's official Twitter account, Mike Stirling, the head of Beano’s operations in Scotland, suggested that Mr Rees-Mogg was guilty of apeing a number of aspects of Walter Brown, from his hair parting and glasses to his taste for classical music and vintage clothing.

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

The letter asks Rees-Mogg to "cease and desist". Walter Brown first appeared in the Beano in 1953 and, although it may not look like it, Rees-Mogg was born in 1969.

Jacob Rees-Mogg has responded by tweeting: "I am flattered to be accused by the Beano's legal eagles of imitating Walter the Softy whose powerful physical prowess is so much greater than my own."

Picture: Twitter – Walter Brown illustration by Nigel Parkinson/Beano Studios.