THE row over David Cameron’s grammar schools policy claimed its first major victim on Tuesday when a member of the party’s front bench resigned.
Europe spokesman Graham Brady, MP for Altrincham and Sale west, said he had decided to step down as a matter of “conscience” after being sharply reprimanded by Tory whips for speaking out on the issue.
Mr Brady, who was educated at grammar school, said in a statement: “Faced with a choice between a front bench position that I have loved and doing what I believe to be right for my constituents and for the many hundreds of thousands of families who are ill-served by state education in this country, there is in conscience only one option open to me.”
In a letter to Mr Cameron today expressed his “sincere regret” at having to leave the front bench.
He insisted he was committed to the party’s policies on Europe, and particularly its opposition to the EU Constitution.
“In recent weeks, however, it has been increasingly difficult for me to reconcile my duties as a constituency MP with the collective responsibility that is required of members of the front bench.”
Thriving
He said there were four “excellent” grammar schools in his constituency, which contributed to a “thriving, modern, selective system of education” in the area.
“Although you made it clear when you became leader that you were not planning to introduce more grammar schools, unfortunately (shadow education secretary) David Willetts’ argument that grammar schools impede social mobility has gone much further and undermines the schools in my constituency which continue to achieve excellent results for children of all abilities and from all social backgrounds.”
The move follows reports that Mr Brady was set to be dropped from the leading Tory team as Mr Cameron bids to face down opponents of his grammar schools policy and stamp his authority on the party.
Mr Cameron is expected to reshuffle his front bench when Gordon Brown takes over as Prime Minister next month.
Labour chairwoman Hazel Blears said the development showed the “chaos” engulfing the Tories.
“Graham Brady’s ’resignation’ reveals the chaos at the heart of the Conservative Party,” she said. “Their policy-making and internal discipline is a shambles.
“Underneath Cameron’s gloss, the Tories remain unchanged - same old right-wing Tories.”
What do you think? Have your say.
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sceptic, Derbyshire (29/05/2007 at 19:01)
Hazel Blears and the other candidates for deputy leadership of New Labour should learn that the electorate want their politicians to be honest and high-principled. It will be interesting tonight to hear what she and (if she stops talking long enough) the others have to say about their new ideas for New Labour.
James (29/05/2007 at 21:21)
So can any one tell us the truth about this story?
Is there a further story in the back-ground?
Why has this very successful MP resigned the front bench? Has Mr Cameron heard or found something out about one or more of these grammar schools - that he does not like? Perhaps something 'incorrect and dangerous' to his own political aspirations?
bromleyspeaking, cumhardy (29/05/2007 at 23:53)
jonah, usa (30/05/2007 at 01:32)
Colin W, Stockholm (30/05/2007 at 07:14)
The decision of the Tories to oppose selective education is a serious vote loser for me and others in Trafford who live here because of the grammar school education in the borough.
Keep up the good work Graham!!
med rep cheshire, cheshire (31/05/2007 at 23:38)
backtracking as many politician would have done. For the record I have three children, one who went to comp, one who went to Secondary Modern and one who went to Grammar. Selective Education works for all, not just for the bright children. It means that the less able children can flourish in an envrionment where they are not made to feel failures. Thank you Graham for sticking to your beliefs.