Tory MPs say Duncan Smith is 'running scared' in ditching local election launch

Iain Duncan Smith was accused of "running scared" by his own MPs last night after the Tory leader scrapped plans to launch his party's local election campaign today.

Mr Duncan Smith's decision to postpone the launch came as he met senior backbenchers to reassure them about changes at Conservative Central Office and the threat of a "witch-hunt" against his critics.

MPs were furious that Mr Duncan Smith's allies had named 12 MPs as potential signatories to a motion of no confidence and had warned that loyal activists would be mobilised in their constituencies.

Those named were Robert Jackson, Douglas Hogg, David Atkinson, Nick Gibb, Nicholas Soames, John Bercow, Andrew MacKay, Derek Conway, Sir Anthony Steen, Richard Ottaway, Francis Maude and Julie Kirkbride. Each received letters of apology from David Maclean, the Chief Whip, saying no such witch-hunt was planned.

Mr Duncan Smith was due to appear in London alongside Theresa May, the party chairman, at the campaign launch for this May's local elections. Given recent briefings against Mrs May and her unhappiness at the appointment of Barry Legg, a former Maastricht rebel, as chief executive, the event would have been sure to throw up embarrassing questions for the Tory leader.

His allies said the launch had been postponed because Mr Duncan Smith was preparing to fly to Kuwait tomorrow and had to attend the enthronement of the Archbishop of Canterbury today. An aide admitted that the events of the past week had "played a part" but insisted the main reason was his schedule.

One MP pointed out that there was plenty of time for a photocall and press briefing as well. "He's running scared of the row that he has brought on himself," the MP said.

The surprise reshuffle at Central Office, involving the officials Mark MacGregor, Rick Nye and Stephen Gilbert, led to renewed Tory infighting last week. Perhaps more damaging than the appointment of Mr Legg was the removal of Mr Gilbert as head of campaigns, which triggered resentment from agents and grassroots Tories across the country.

But it was made apparent at the meeting between Mr Duncan Smith, Mrs May and the backbench 1922 committeeyesterday that a compromise "review" of party structures would take place after May and that Mr Gilbert would be asked to stay on as a consultant.