Sarah Vine criticises Remain supporters for attacking Michael Gove because 'they are used to getting their own way'

Vine also revealed her husband's first words after learning of the Brexit vote

Journalist Sarah Vine and her husband, Justice Secretary Michael Gove (Getty)

Sarah Vine has accused Remain supporters of bitterly attacking high-profile leave campaigners such as the Justice Secretary Michael Gove, claiming most are educated, articulate, often in positions of authority and therefore reacting with vitriol because they are not accustomed to “getting their own way”.

In her column for the Daily Mail, Vine also revealed what her husband’s first words to her were after discovering the Leave campaign had narrowly won the referendum with a majority of 52 per cent.

According to Vine, his initial reaction to learning of the outcome during a call in the early hours of the morning was the somewhat underwhelming comment: “Gosh. I suppose I had better get up.”

Vine claimed her husband paid a great personal price for playing such a prominent role in the Leave campaign, comparing the reaction to “walking into a room in a lovely new dress and having every single person turn, point, throw back their heads with laughter and tell you it looks hideous”.

“Such is the personal price of my husband standing up for his principles," she wrote.

She accused Remain supporters of launching attacks so bitter on Leave campaigners in the face of a disappointing result they shocked even a "Twitter-hardened old hack like me".

“I think it’s because many of the most passionate Remainers are well-educated, articulate people in positions of authority, used to getting their own way.

“Unlike your average troll, they don’t rely on blunt invective to wound their opponents. Their anger takes the form of keenly worded, rapier-sharp attacks that cut deep.”

Vine’s column comes ahead of the Conservative leadership contest activated by David Cameron’s resignation over the referendum result. The nominations will open this evening and contenders will have until Thursday morning to put themselves forward as the Prime Minister’s potential successor. Those expected to throw their hat into the ring include Boris Johnson, the Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb and the Home Secretary Theresa May. Mr Gove is backing Mr Johnson, who is thought to have already secured the backing of 100 MPs and considered the current favourite to win the contest.