By Jamie Smith

A Conservative MP has been caught in a political row after he was recorded describing prime minister David Cameron as a "despicable creature" and the worst leader the country has had in generations.

Patrick Mercer called Mr Cameron "an arse", stating that he is without redeeming features.

According to the Sunday Mirror, he added he would rather take a beggar off the streets and make him prime minister, rather than keep Mr Cameron in office.

Speaking to guests at a party thrown by The London Magazine, Mr Mercer is reported as saying: "We'll sack him. We'll get rid of him."

He went on to criticise the diplomatic skills shown by the prime minister on a trip to New Delhi when he commented on relations between India and Pakistan.

But Mr Mercer, a former BBC ­defence correspondent, claimed that he had made the comments in a light-hearted way, although he admitted saying there could be an election next year.

Mr Cameron recently stated that the economic crisis in the eurozone has proved to be damaging for the UK.