An Anglican cleric who was set to become the Bishop of Bermuda has caused a storm of controversy in the UK by writing a sizzling autobiography.

Canon treasurer of St. Paul's Cathedral Michael Saward is said to have written the expose, which paints unflattering portraits of the Royal Family and top UK politicians, after turning down the Bermuda appointment in anticipation of a higher post in the UK.

But when told that he would never become a bishop in England the maverick cleric, having already missed out on the job in Bermuda, took revenge on the Church of England hierarchy by penning `A Faint Streak of Humility'.

It is understood that Mr. Saward turned down the Bermuda post about five years ago and would still be here now had he not been so ambitious. Church sources say it is his regret at missing out on the overseas position that galvanised him into writing his scandalous memoirs.

The book reveals tensions within the Church of England, criticisms of top clergy and candid descriptions of politicians.

Senior church officials are said to be concerned, embarrassed and horrified by the book, which is due to be published later this year.

Extracts of the book have now appeared in the UK's Sunday Times. In an article last week the newspaper quotes Saward referring to a meeting with former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as writing: "She came out of her chair like a cat with claws extended. A frightening transformation had turned the well-coiffured grande dame into a hostile virago. No wonder Tory MPs were scared of her''.

The newspaper article goes on to say how Mr. Saward described American singer Eartha Kitt as having "raw sexual power'' and former Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie as "distressingly camp''.

And in Mr. Saward's opinion former UK Opposition leader Neil Kinnock is "a typical rugby-playing, pint-swilling, Welsh rascal'' while ex-Prime Minister Ted Heath, after recovering from an illness, was "physically bloated and mentally vague''.

But it is the Royal Family who get hit hardest by Saward's confessions, with the Duke of Edinbugh coming in for severe criticism.

The newspaper quotes Saward, describing the Duke's manner, as saying: "You never know whether it will be a snort, a snub or a merry laugh''.

He also reports that the Queen left him speechless with her careless small talk.

The current Bishop of Bermuda, the Right Reverend Ewan Ratteray, is currently off the Island and former Archdeacon Thomas Dyson, who would have been in office at the time when Mr. Saward was selected by the Church Synod for the post, could not be reached for comment.

But the Island's incumbent Anglican Archdeacon, Arnold Hollis, confirmed that Mr. Saward had been approached about the vacancy some years ago.