Tanya Plibersek has come under fire for an out of character jibe about Peter Dutton’s apparent likeness to Harry Potter villain Voldemort.

Scott Emerson asked Ms Plibersek about Mr Dutton taking over the Liberal leadership.

The former defence minister is widely tipped to become the next opposition leader.

Ms Plibersek: Well I think there will be a lot of children who have watched a lot of Harry Potter films who will be very frightened of what they are seeing on TV at night, that’s for sure.

Scott: What, are you saying he looks strange, he looks odd?

Ms Plibersek: I am saying he looks a bit like Voldemort and we will see whether he can do what he promised he would do when he was last running for leader which is smile more.

Scott: It sounds like you are attacking how he looks, surely not?

Ms Plibersek: No, I am just saying he is not the warm and friendly face of the Liberal party and if this last election taught us anything, it taught us that the Liberal party has moved too far to the extremes of politics.

Press PLAY below to hear the exchange in full 

The 4BC Drive host was taken aback at her response.

“It was a bit below her, I don’t normally hear her say those sorts of things, I was a bit shocked when she did say that,” Scott said.

He described Ms Plibersek as a “capable, smart, talented” politician who will likely have a senior role in the Albanese government.

“I think it was poor, and I suspect she is regretting that right now.”

Press PLAY below to hear her comments in full

Image: Today Show