Notting Hill set whispers spell trouble for Tories

Michael Howard was hit by claims today that his most trusted advisers disagreed with his election strategy.

Senior Conservatives were furious at suggestions that members of the "Notting Hill set" had distanced themselves from the decision to focus the campaign on asylum and immigration.

At the centre of the row are David Cameron and George Osborne, the young modernisers chosen by Mr Howard to help run the Tory campaign.

Supporters of the pair infuriated other shadow ministers by appearing to brief against Mr Howard's strategy.

One frontbencher said it was "disgraceful" that the modernisers should try to avoid taking the blame for a campaign they were intricately involved in shaping.

The senior Tory pointed out that Mr Cameron had written the manifesto and was therefore the "architect" of the whole strategy on immigration.

"It is normal for everyone to position themselves after the election to avoid taking the blame, but to do it beforehand is disgraceful," the source said.

The latest infighting was sparked after the Daily Telegraph claimed that the Notting Hill Tories were "deeply embarrassed" by the decision to focus on immigration.

There is no evidence that Mr Osborne or Mr Cameron were involved in the briefings.

However, the Telegraph says they are thought to be uncomfortable with the emphasis placed on asylum in the campaign.