Don't look back, Cameron warns MPs over schools

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The Tory leader, who returns today from a holiday in Greece to face his most serious internal row to date, dismissed the idea of a grammar school in every town as 'mythical'.

He used a newspaper article yesterday to warn that the party risks being 'marooned' in the past unless it embraces change.

Aides said Mr Cameron was 'absolutely confident' he was winning the argument and was buoyed by a poll showing the Tories have moved into a narrow lead over Labour on education.

But last night the MP who led the revolt widened his attack to criticise Mr Cameron's leadership style, warning him against foisting decisions made behind closed doors in 'a eureka moment' on his party.

Graham Brady, who quit the Tory front bench last week, said the row that has engulfed Mr Cameron could have been avoided if he had properly consulted colleagues.

Conservative education spokesman David Willetts prompted turmoil by suggesting three weeks ago that existing grammar schools entrenched social disadvantage.

Senior figures on the traditional wing of the party - including former Tory leader Michael Howard - are understood to be deeply uneasy about Mr Cameron's decision to attack critics of the policy shift as 'delusional'.

A survey by the unofficial Tory website ConservativeHome.com today reveals widespread support for Mr Brady among the party's grassroots.

Mr Cameron's satisfaction rating among readers of the site has plunged from +49 per cent at the end of April to +22 per cent today.

As the row rumbled on, a third Tory frontbencher spoke out in favour of opening extra grammars. Charities spokesman Greg Clark said he would like to see more in his Tunbridge Wells constituency in Kent.

He cleared his remarks with Mr Willetts who was last week forced to concede that a Tory government would allow new grammar schools to open if there is demand for them in areas where they already exist.

An ICM poll for the Sunday Telegraph found that Mr Cameron is more trusted than Gordon Brown to improve schools, on 41 per cent to Mr Brown's 40.