Horsham MP Francis Maude has denied his revolt against Tory adoption policy was part of a plot to topple leader Iain Duncan Smith.

The former shadow foreign secretary spoke out after Mr Duncan Smith made a desperate attack on rebel MPs he accused of "sabotage".

Mr Duncan Smith did not personally name the "small group" of MPs he claimed were at the heart of a "conscious attempt" to undermine his leadership.

But his comments were widely thought to be aimed at the eight MPs who defied a "three line whip" ordering them to vote against plans to allow gays and unmarried couples to adopt.

The group included Mr Maude and his ally Michael Portillo.

Yesterday, Mr Maude denied he had supported gay and unmarried adoption out of "personal ambition" rather than as a matter of conscience.

He also backed Mr Duncan Smith to still be the leader of the Tories at the next election.

Mr Maude said: "The idea there is a conspiracy here is fanciful."

The MP added he was prepared to unite behind Mr Duncan Smith and had told him so.

He continued: "I am one of those that believes fervently the path of modernisation, which was set out so clearly at our party conference, is the only way for us.

"I very strongly support him in seeking to pursue it."

Mr Portillo, whose leadership campaign was run by Mr Maude, issued his own denial.

Yesterday, Mr Duncan Smith warned: "Over the past few weeks, a small group of my Parliamentary colleagues has decided consciously to undermine my leadership.

"For a few, last night's vote was not about adoption but an attempt to challenge my mandate to lead the party. We cannot go on in this fashion."