Grassroots decide Tory chief’s fate

IAIN DUNCAN SMITH’S immediate fate was being determined this weekend with Tory MPs seeking the verdict of the party’s grassroots supporters on his leadership.

At constituency association events up and down the country, the fevered speculation about a possible leadership challenge was sure to be the principal subject for discussion.

A widespread thumbs-down for the Tory leader's two years at the helm of the party would embolden his

backbenchers to initiate the process which could unseat him.

Conversely, his tenure could be extended if activists tell MPs that they are dismayed by apparent plotting within the parliamentary party and urge them to fall in line behind the former army officer.

As MPs headed back to their constituencies, there were some encouraging developments for Mr Duncan Smith.

Former Chancellor Kenneth Clarke vehemently denied that he was ready to stand against his leader.

And shadow trade and industry secretary Tim Yeo dismissed rumours that he was ready to quit Mr Duncan Smith's front-bench team to call for a vote of no confidence in his leadership.

Sir Michael Spicer, chairman of the Tory backbench 1922 Committee, is obliged to call a vote of confidence in Mr Duncan Smith's leadership if 15% of the parliamentary party 25 MPs call for one, which they can do anonymously.

Multi-millionaire businessman John Madejski said the Conservatives needed a resolution to current uncertainty over Mr Duncan Smith's position.

His comments came after Stuart Wheeler, who has given £5 million to the party, said there was an "overwhelming" case for a new leader and MPs had a "duty" to force a contest.

Shadow Chancellor Michael Howard has emerged as the favourite to succeed Mr Duncan Smith as leader, and after a large number of bets of up to £500 a time bookmakers William Hill have slashed his odds from 6/1 to 5/4 favourite.