Former Rutland MP Sir Alan Duncan had better be able to take it as much as he can give it.

Sir Alan has published his memoirs, which contain much criticism of political figures, and in return the book reviewers have hit back.

The diaries "In the Thick of It" were billed as "explosive", as previously reported by Nub News .

In them, the former MP branded Prime Minister Boris Johnson a 'buffoon' and called former leader Theresa May a @frightened rabbit,' amid other insults.

The memoirs were serialised in the Daily Mail, but yesterday Craig Brown in its sister publication The Mail on Sunday, branded the dairies 'self-serving.'

He added that if they teach us one thing, it is "if this tittle-tattler ever says he's on your side, call security."

Mr Brown says Sir Alan had a reputation as a 'blabbermouth' and his diaries give every indication of being composed with publication in mind.

"Duncan's insults are hand-me-down and interchangeable", he continued.

"Unstinting in his abuse, Alan Duncan reserves most of his praise for himself. He clearly sees himself as a bit of a wag," was another comment.

Awarding the book 2 stars out of 5, Mr Brown ended: "But what was it all for? Though he was always on telly, he failed to make much of an impression. On Tuesday i told a worldly friend I was reading the diaries of Sir Alan Duncan. 'Oh', he replied, 'you mean the former Blue Peter presenter?"

In the Observer, Andrew Rawnsley said Sir Alan's book contained "too much bile, not enough style."

He said: "A desperate craving for attention is hardly uncommon among politicians, but rarely is the neediness so naked as in this case."

Mr Rawnsley recalled the insults Sir Alan made and continued: "Duncan aspired to write one of the memorable political diaries, but a torrent of invective, even about people who thoroughly deserve it, is insufficient to join the greats."

He further blasted: "Few politicians are without their vanities, but the shrewder ones make some effort to try to disguise them. I found this extended circumnavigation of the diarist's wounded ego very grating to begin with, but was eventually laughing out loud at the sheer shamelessness of his self-puffery. "

However, the Observer's Chief Political Commentators concluded: "Don't read this diary in the expectation of any stunning revelations, delightful prose or profound reflections. Do if you want to better understand the bitter ache of frustrated ambition that gnaws the guts of so many of our politicians. And there are some good jokes along the way."