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David Cameron today faced growing unrest within his party over expenses and grammar schools.
The Tory leader is due to publish a list of Conservative MPs repaying questionable claims.
But backbenchers fear they will be seen as "guilty" by constituents of abusing public funds, after making minor mistakes.
The list drawn up by the Tory scrutiny panel is understood to include MPs who have not publicly offered to pay back money. Some Conservative MPs feel they are set to be "named and shamed" in order to make MrCameron appear tough on the expenses furore.
Mr Cameron's aides insist repaying money is not an admission of guilt but defended the system as a way of getting "closure" on the row, adding that a number of MPs had volunteered to hand back funds.
But several veteran Tory MPs who have been forced to quit at the next election, including Sir Peter Viggers whose claim for a "duck house" reportedly infuriated Mr Cameron, are understood to feel they have been harshly treated.
Meanwhile, the Tory leader today faced a direct challenge over his policy of not championing more grammar schools.
Senior Tory David Davis claimed the only winners from people turning their back on grammar schools were public school boys who "run Britain".
His words will be seen as a swipe at the Eton-educated Tory leader. Mr Davis, who went to Bec Grammar School in Tooting, said children from poor backgrounds were losing out from opposition to grammar schools.
Reader views (3)
Why isn't Honest Dave doing anything about the Tories on the GLC? Deputy Mayor resigns and is liable to be investigated by the Police and the Mayor knew about it but up to a few days ago gave his full support. Shouldn't the Tory Star Chamber get involved or are Boris and his cronies off limits?
- F Skate, Hammersmith England, 24/06/2009 16:13
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The trouble with Dave's reaction to the Expenses crisis is that all Shadow Cabinet Members are protected and it is those on the Backbenches with safe seats and even safer pensions who are being thrown overboard. Remember that Dave got rid of Andrew Mackay as an early sacrifice by promising to protect Julie Kirkbride, Mr Macakay's wife. Perhaps Dave Cameron is a more shifty character than his projected Public Image suggests.
- S Lamb, Barnes England, 24/06/2009 15:49
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Politicians?
The Downing Street cat has infinitely more credibility, integrity and dignity than the gaggle of wombles loitering with intent in the House of Conmen.
- Reuben Camara, Republic of Morecambe, UK, 24/06/2009 11:40
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