Cameron U-turn in education row.

DAVID Cameron was yesterday forced to cave in on his opposition to grammar schools.

In a major U-turn, the Tories said they would allow schools to be built in areas which already had them.

Just nine days ago, Cameron described plans to build grammar schools as "delusional".

The U-turn came after a furious internal revolt.

Shadow Europe minister Graham Brady quit the front-bench over the row.

And yesterday, shadow attorney general Dominic Grieve also broke ranks. The Beaconsfield MP said: "There is no question of changing the selective education system in Buckinghamshire against the wishes of the community."

A humiliated shadow education secretary David Willetts was forced to retreat in the face of the revolt.

He said: "There are parts of the country where selective education has survived.

"We fully understand people fought long and hard to keep the selective system and we will back them."

The U-turn means only privileged areas will now be able to have the schools if Cameron comes to power.

Education Secretary Alan Johnson said the Tories were in disarray.

He added: "After two weeks of pressure from his unreformed party, David Cameron has caved in.

"After attempting to exert his authority over his party last week, he has given in. This is abject surrender."

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