ED VAIZEY was accused of misjudging his electorate after backing top Brexiteer Michael Gove for the Conservative Party leadership.

It came after voters in the council area, which largely covers the Wantage MP's constituency, supported Britain's membership of the EU with a majority of 10,000 on June 23.

More than 43,000 people in Vale of White Horse voted for Remain in last month's referendum, with about 33,000 voting for Leave.

During an interview with BBC Newsnight on Monday, presenter Evan Davies questioned why Mr Vaizey – one of "the most enthusiastic of Remainers" – had chosen Mr Gove, "the most enthusiastic Brexiteer".

The MP responded: "Michael Gove probably has the broadest support across Remainers and Leavers."

When pushed on why, as Culture Minister, he supported leaving the EU single market against the wishes of creative industry figures, he added: "They are our most successful industries. That is one of the reasons I was Remain, but I have to say we are all Brexiteers now.

"I am not going to resile from the fact that the people have spoken."

His comments attracted an angry responses from some viewers, with Wantage businesswoman Elaine Ford writing on Twitter: "You have badly misjudged this.

"Your constituents voted by more than 10,000 to remain. Where is the representation of our wishes?"

In a letter sent to Mr Vaizey, shared with the Oxford Mail, constituent Dr Karsten Schönrogge also said: "I find it hard to believe that you think you have a mandate from your constituency to support Michael Gove.

"I hope you can assure your constituency that you will act to implement the direction you were given by your local electorate."