DAVID CAMERON’S refusal to disclose whether or not he took drugs at university was supported by grassroots Conservatives across the country.

A Times straw poll survey of Conservative Association chairmen found that most respected his decision to stay silent and said his past activities had no relevance to his leadership campaign.

The response of David Bourne, the chairman of Wolverhampton North East Conservative Association, was typical. “If Mr Cameron wants to take the line that he will not answer the question, I’m happy with it,” he said.

“We live in a democratic society and everyone is entitled to a private life.”

Robert Matthew-Walker, of Lewisham East Tories, said that Mr Cameron should not give in to pressure to reveal details about his past.

“It could go down to such questions as whether he used to pick his nose in bed,” he said. “I think it’s entirely up to him. Members of the public are not so interested.”

Most of the chairmen The Times spoke to said his supporters would not be deterred by any revelation that he had taken drugs in his youth.

Peter Goldsworthy, of Chorley Conservative Association, said: “It’s in the past. He would not be the first and he would not be the last.”

Malcolm Cooke, of Totnes Conservatives, said: “If everybody had everything they did in their youth held up against them then it would be a very poor world.”

David Fouweather, of Newport West Tories, said: “What’s important is that he’s not a drug addict. He’s a responsible family man who’s going to make a fine Prime Minister.”

Of the eighteen chairmen The Times spoke to, ten defended Mr Cameron’s right to stay silent. Six said he should give a definitive answer and two declined to comment.

Of the six who said Mr Cameron should speak out, only two believed his response would affect his campaign.

“I think there’s an issue of trust and what he stands for,” Nick Hacket Pain, of Monmouth Conservatives, said. “He’s got to get the trust of the party and I’m not sure he has.”

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