Cameron tries to end grammar school row

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He insisted there would be "no reintroduction" of selective schools under a Conservative government.

The Tory leader, who has just returned from holiday, admitted the past two weeks had not been "smooth". He insisted, however, that Conservative policy was clear.

"There will be no reintroduction of grammar schools and no reintroduction of the 11-plus in the huge swathes of the country where they were abolished," he said.

"I want good schools for all our children." His words were aimed at clarifying the party's policy in the wake of the confusion about it and the resignation of Europe spokesman Graham Brady over the issue.

Mr Cameron and his education spokesman, David Willetts, had insisted no new grammars would be built under a Conservative government.

Last week, however, the Tories were forced to admit new ones could be built in areas where grammars already exist and a growing population requires them.

Mr Cameron was holidaying in Crete during the U-turn and did not comment directly on it at the time.

The row, which has caused a huge backlash from Tory MPs and activists, is the most serious to hit his leadership.

A Populus poll for The Times yesterday found that the furore has dented Mr Cameron's standing.

The number of voters seeing him as a 'strong' leader has dropped from 44 to 37 per cent since last October.

Those who believe he would make a good prime minister fell from 42 per cent to 33 per cent.