A WORCESTERSHIRE MP says he hasn't decided whether to back Theresa May over grammar schools - insisting struggling children cannot be left behind.

Nigel Huddleston, who represents Mid-Worcestershire, says he wants a "proper debate" over the overhaul before he is willing to give it his backing.

The Conservative has also told the Worcester News he wants to take soundings from constituents and may refuse to support it if there is "any inclination" it damages comprehensives, as a former pupil of one himself.

In recent weeks headteachers in Worcestershire have criticised Mrs May's flagship selective schooling idea, which could see old New Labour legislation from 1998 banning the creation of new grammars overturned.

Mr Huddleston said: "I'm open minded to it, my first priority is fairer funding and that's what I'll continue to hold the Education Secretary to.

"But on the grammar schools issue I want to make sure all children have a great education.

"If grammar schools are in that mix, fine but I want to make sure comprehensives fit the criteria for offering a great education too.

"It's important to remember Theresa May hasn't actually announced a policy yet, she's announced a consultation on a Green Paper - so let's have that discussion.

"I don't need to take a firm stance right now, what I'll be doing is listening to the debate and taking soundings from my constituents too."

He added: "If I get any inclination it'll be bad for other schools I won't support it, but if it helps comprehensives then I'll support it.

"Let's have that policy discussion and have that debate."

In recent weeks Redditch MP Karen Lumley has pledged to rebel against the Government but Worcester's Robin Walker and West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin, both of whom are ministers, are staying loyal to the PM.

The Conservative in charge of education at Worcestershire County Council, Councillor Marc Bayliss, has also voiced opposition to it alongside dozens of Tory politicians in shires around Britain.

But polls have shown a public desire for allowing more grammar schools to open up and Mrs May says the move would see some places reserved for pupils from poorer backgrounds.

During the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham this week the premier has defended the strategy, saying grammars allow "poorer children to do better" and actually boost achievement, despite criticism from the outgoing Chief Inspector of Schools Sir Michael Wilshaw.

Education Secretary Justine Greening has also delivered a speech on it, saying grammas have a "track record of closing the attainment gap between children on free school meals and their better off classmates".