Iain Duncan Smith describes Donald Trump as 'a very decent man'

The former work and pensions secretary said the billionaire Republican had the endorsement of 'serious politicians'

Iain Duncan Smith (PA)

Iain Duncan Smith has appeared to back Donald Trump – describing him as “a very decent man”.

The former work and pensions secretary said that “serious politicians” in the US had supported Mr Trump and quoted representative Paul Ryan praising the billionaire business owner.

“There are some very serious politicians, Paul Ryan, he said categorically: that he [Trump] is a very decent man,” Mr Duncan Smith told LBC radio.

Asked whether he would vote for Mr Trump or Hillary Clinton Mr Duncan Smith said he didn’t have a vote, and that he would not vote for Ms Clinton.

“I don’t have a vote, certainly – but I wouldn’t be voting for Clinton, that’s for sure. With her record on emails and her record on the state department,” he explained.

The statement from the Tory MP and Leave campaigner comes as David Cameron this morning said he would try to work with Mr Trump if he won office.

There were calls to ban the presumptive Republican Party nominee from Britain after he announced a policy of banning all Muslims from entering the United States.

MPs debated the issue after a petition was signed by over 100,000 people; it has now been endorsed by over half a million voters.

He has also pledged to force Mexico to build a giant wall on its border with the United States to stop Mexicans from entering US territory without permission.

The business mogul is set to visit Britain later this month to open a golf course he owns in Scotland.

His visit will come the day before the European Union referendum; it is not clear whether he will officially meet the Prime Minister or other leading politicians.

Mr Trump will face whoever wins the Democratic nomination for US president later this year. Hilary Clinton is the runaway favourite to win that primary race.