Conference defies Coalition on 'free schools'

Liberal Democrat councils are on a collision course with Nick Clegg by campaigning against the creation of "free schools" in their communities. Following a rebellion by party activists against the Coalition's flagship education policy, the conference voted to boycott the new schools because they increased "social divisiveness and inequity".

A succession of activists, including many councillors, protested that allowing parents to set up new schools beyond town hall control would benefit better-off families to the detriment of those in poorer areas, and could also lead to selection by the back door. In a snub to the party leadership, they convincingly defeated an attempt to water down a motion critical of free schools.

Peter Downes, a retired head, told the conference that being in coalition did not mean sacrificing their principles: "Academies and free schools are divisive, costly and unfair."

Sarah Teather, the Education Minister, insisted that the scheme should be seen as part of a package that includes the pupil premium, under which extra money will be channelled to schools in poorer areas.