The Church of England training college Cranmer Hall has expressed its sadness after it was attacked by the former Conservative Party leader's son for what he saw as its key role in his being refused ordination.

Nick Howard, the son of former Tory leader Michael Howard, completed his theology degree just this summer but was refused ordination for what was described in a Mail on Sunday article as his "unwillingness to listen" to others' viewpoints.

Speaking to the newspaper, Howard suggested his strong evangelical beliefs on issues such as homosexuality and multifaith worship had led to him being branded as a "troublemaker".

Cranmer Hall, within St John's College in Durham University, did not respond publicly on the specific question of why Howard was not recommended for ordination due to pastoral sensitivity and "respect for the former student concerned", but highlighted that the ultimate decision on recommendation remained with the Diocesan Bishop.