Spectator magazine under fire for article on Liz Kendall's and Yvette Cooper's looks

The Spectator magazine has come under fire after publishing an article discussing the looks of the two female Labour leadership candidates.

The piece, entitled "Have Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall got the looks for a leadership contest?" was penned by Charles Moore, a former editor of the publication.

Moore, who has also written an authorised biography of Margaret Thatcher, writes "there is an understanding that no leader - especially, despite the age of equality, a woman - can look grotesque on television and win a general election."

He then proceeds to ask whether Liz Kendall and Yvette Cooper have the right look to succeed in the election.

"Possibly Ms Cooper has them (looks) there is something quite appealing about her slightly French crop and black and white dresses, especially when she is being so boring that one looks rather than listens.

"Ms Kendall looks like a nice person, but not in a distinctive way", he adds.

The article has attracted widespread criticism online, with many saying the piece is outdated and sexist.

Asked by Channel 4 News journalist Fraser Nelson if he would run a similar piece about Andy Burnham or Jeremy Corbyn, editor Fraser Nelson said: "Sounds great".