The Conservatives are preparing secret plans to reduce the role of Tory party members in future leadership elections.

The Telegraph reports that leaders of the 1922 committee are examining proposals to overhaul the party's constitution soon after the next general election.

Shadow Cabinet members believe such a move would strengthen the position of Michael Howard.

A senior Tory source said: "It is the parliamentary party that has to work on a day-to-day basis with the leader but we don't have any real say in who it is going to be, other than in deciding the list of candidates for the members to vote on.

"I am sure it will happen because there is a lot that is amiss with the constitution."