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