Tories deny IDS car claims

Iain Duncan Smith has ferociously defended himself

Conservative Central Office have denied allegations Iain Duncan Smith has been warned for misusing a chauffeur-driven car given to him as leader of the opposition.

The Times reported that Cabinet Office officials had warned Mr Duncan Smith about breaching the rules which forbid the use of government cars for private or party political business.

But a spokesman for Conservative Central Office insisted the Cabinet Office had raised no objections to the leader's use of his government car.

The Times did not specify how Mr Duncan Smith was alleged to have misused the car.

A Cabinet Office spokeswoman said it was not correct to say they had warned Mr Duncan Smith about a breach.

"There was a straightforward meeting with his office in May to discuss the use of official government cars," she said.

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She could not say what prompted the meeting but said it was common for ministers and other users of official cars to discuss the rules.

Government cars can be used for private business but the public purse must be reimbursed for the cost, she said.

The allegations come as an inquiry continues into Mr Duncan Smith's employment of his wife as a diary secretary using public money.

Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Sir Philip Mawer is examining suggestions that Betsy Duncan Smith did not do enough work to justify the salary she was paid.

On Monday, a former senior Tory official gave evidence to the inquiry. Mark MacGregor was sacked from his post as chief executive at Conservative Central Office earlier this year.

The Conservative leader strongly denies any wrongdoing.

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Conservative Central Office deputy director Vanessa Gearson, who raised concerns about the issue in a leaked internal e-mail, met Sir Philip in Westminster on Friday afternoon to discuss her evidence with him.

She has made clear she will "tell the truth ... no matter what the cost".

A leadership challenge to Mr Duncan Smith is unlikely while the inquiry continues.

But Sir Patrick Cormack, a member of the executive of the 1922 Committee representing Tory backbenchers, has said Mr Duncan Smith should call a vote of confidence in his leadership.