David Cameron will back further powers for Scotland whatever the outcome of talks on English devolution, Downing Street was forced to admit yesterday, in a move that will further anger his restless backbenchers.
The prime minister, who hosts talks on the “English question” today with senior Tories at Chequers, riled his party by signing a vow promising new powers on tax and welfare for the Scottish parliament, and his attempt to appease them has unravelled over the weekend.
The fallout from last week’s Scottish independence referendum has descended into cross-party acrimony as the focus turned to the political conference season, starting with Labour in Manchester.