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Paterson anger at Cameron

FORMER secretary of state Owen Paterson hit out at British prime minister David Cameron when he was demoted from the cabinet.

Mr Paterson (58) was sacked as environment minister last week - one of several men to be demoted from the Tory front bench.

According to reports yesterday, the Conservative MP told Mr Cameron that getting rid of him was a 'smash in the teeth' for rural voters. Mr Paterson, who launched a controversial badger cull in England last year in an attempt to control TB in cattle, is also known for his support of fox hunting and opposition to gay marriage.

He was replaced as environment minister by 38-year-old Leeds-born economist Liz Truss.