Downing Street blocked the historian Mary Beard from a job at the British Museum, it's been revealed.

Whitehall sources told the Observer the decision was taken because of her strident views against Brexit .

The decision – which happened under Theresa May – has sparked outrage from academics who said it undermined the museum's independence.

British Museum former trustee Sir John Tusa told the newspaper: "Will any Remainer now expect to be punished by the government?”

Downing Street has a veto over some trustees at the British Museum in an arrangement dating back to when it was founded in the 18th Century.

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It's understood Dame Mary was on a list of potential trustees submitted to Theresa May last Spring.

However, she was not on the list when new holders of the unpaid role were announced in April 2019.

Despite the veto it is thought she could still join the trustees – as the museum is allowed to choose a handful independently of No10.

Renowned Classicist Dame Mary previously accused Theresa May's government of "irresponsibility gone mad" over her Brexit strategy.

She tweeted in May 2019: "The idea now being floated that we'll have temporary fudge on Brexit, so that whoever wins next election can try to readjust, leaves me speechless if true.

"This is no way to set up the future of the country. Irresponsibility gone mad. Where is the Labour party when it's needed?"

Last week she wrote: "I have friends on left, right and centre. I have friends who are pro and anti-brexit. They all know that I am maverick left anti Brexit."

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