GRASSROOTS Conservatives are sticking staunchly behind Iain Duncan Smith – and called on fellow Tories not to stab him in the back.Many Tories at Ipswich Conservative Club in St Stephens Church Lane voiced support for their leader – and rejected claims that him employing his wife as his diary secretary was wrong.

GRASSROOTS Conservatives are sticking staunchly behind Iain Duncan Smith – and called on fellow Tories not to stab him in the back.

Many Tories at Ipswich Conservative Club in St Stephens Church Lane voiced support for their leader – and rejected claims that him employing his wife as his diary secretary was wrong.

Mr Duncan Smith has insisted he will still be at the head of his party after the next election. But parliamentary standards commissioner Sir Philip Mawer is investigating allegations that his wife, Betsy, did not do enough work as his diary secretary to justify her salary.

Bill Adams, 74, of Wentworth Drive in Felixstowe, said: "I think he is doing a good job and I don't know why the Tory Party is opposing him and rocking the boat.

"I do feel people still support IDS and I don't think the current situation has damaged his reputation.

"I think a few people are jealous of him and are trying to stab him in the back – like they did Maggie."

Bill Curtis, 86, of Silent Street in Ipswich, said: " I was voted in by members of the Conservative Party and as far as I am concerned, he should remain as such.

"I think the media has drawn the matter (concerning Mrs Duncan Smith) out of all proportion."

Fred Ward, 85, of Chelsworth Avenue in Ipswich, agreed.

He aid: "There are a few people with their knives out. I think he should be given a fair chance. I think he is popular, except with the rebels."

Jamie Hayes, 41, of Myrtle Road in Ipswich, added: "I feel his popularity has gone down through what is happening at the moment.

"But I feel they want him out and are just using any excuse to get him out. I don't think what he did was wrong."

But one Ipswich Conservative Club member, who did not want to be named, said: "I don't think Iain Duncan Smith comes across as very popular. He calls himself the quiet man – perhaps he needs to be a bit stronger and voice his opinions a bit more.

"I don't think it was right him employing his wife when he already had a secretary."

Geraldine Scrivener, of Ipswich's Avondale Road, added: "I just don't think he has got what it takes. I don't think he has got the charisma.

"His popularity seems to have gone down."