Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins has questioned whether newspaper editors can also be MPs in the wake of the news that George Osborne has taken the job of editor of the Evening Standard.

Mr Collins, the chairman of the culture media and sport committee, said: "I don't think newspaper editors should also be MPs holding a party whip.”

Mr Osborne's appointment has prompted some to call for him to stand down as MP for Knutsford in Cheshire.

Others have said that being an MP and a newspaper editor are incompatible and raise questions of a conflict of interest.

Mr Osborne's announcement that he was to become editor of the Evening Standard shocked both MPs and his constituents.

The former Chancellor admitted to staff that he had no experience of newspaper journalism.

“I have got to learn from you because I may have run the country but I haven't actually run a newspaper. I know there is lots for me to learn.”