Tory MPs 'unhappy' with Cameron

Some Conservative MPs want a vote of no confidence in leader David Cameron, according to reports.

It is claimed at least two Tories, and maybe as many as six, want to increase the pressure on Mr Cameron after poor poll results and the party's third place in the Sedgefield and Ealing Southall by-elections.

The MPs involved have not ben named in the reports and Mr Cameron's aides have suggested the reports are not being taken seriously.

The report claims the chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee, Sir Michael Spicer, refused to confim or deny whether he had received a letter requesting a vote of no confidence.

Mr Cameron said: "Yes. There is going to be a very tough battle for the next election, there's no doubt about it.

"But when I look at what my party has done in terms of getting into the centre, the serious long-term policy work, the team that I have got in place, I think we have every chance of fighting that election, fighting to win and winning it."

A vote would automatically be triggered if letters were received from 15 per cent of the parliamentary party, currently 29 MPs, as happened when Iain Duncan Smith was ousted as leader in 2003.

One unnamed MP is quoted as saying: "I felt I had to register my deep-seated dissatisfaction. I am not the only one and I know there are a number of others who are thinking of writing."

There is no requirement on Sir Michael to inform Conservative headquarters or Mr Cameron if he receives a letter, and in the normal course of events it is understood that the party machine would not expect to be told.

A party spokesman declined to comment on the report.

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