Actor/comedian Rufus Hound and former Tory MP Louise Mensch are at the centre of a furious exchange on Twitter after he called her a four-letter name.

The row began when high-flier Mensch, who quit UK politics for a new life in the US last year, said of Scots-born UK Education Secretary Michael Gove: "Gove is simply the cleverest and ablest member of the Government (a high bar). It's like watching Ali box."

Hound, who has appeared in Scotland recently in a stage production of One Man, Two Guvnors, replied to Mensch: "What a c***."

Other Twitter users condemned his language. David Yems said: "Oh Rufus, how basic.....like a poor man's Frankie Boyle...".

Fleur Hughes posted: "@RufusHound really hope you weren't referring to @louisemensch there. I disagree with her too but that language is totally inappropriate."

Gove's wife, newspaper columnist Sarah Vine, then joined the debate, saying: "Dear Rufus What have you ever done for any child's education?"

Hound replied: "Worked at The Science Museum for 3yrs teaching kids science and I volunteered teaching drama at a local school."

Mensch riposted:"Did you teach them to call a woman a c*** when you disagree with her? #feminism."

She was backed by other female tweeters.Victoria McNamara said: "Suffice 2 say, I now rate Michael Gove 100x higher than Mr Hound - or anyone using insults 4 arguments.

Catherine Docherty ‏added: "How would u feel if someone used that word to describe your wife or mother simply for a difference of opinion?"