The Conservatives are facing a damaging split in the shadow cabinet if Labour goes ahead with plans to scrap Section 28.

David Davis, as shadow deputy prime minister with responsibility for local government, is said to strongly oppose moves to abolish a law which prevents local authorities "promoting" homosexuality.

But Iain Duncan Smith - who sacked Davis from his role as party chairman earlier this summer - is reported to be sympathetic to the reform as a means of indicating a more tolerant Conservative stance on social issues under his leadership.

The Times reports that the Tories would support the repeal if an alternative way of protecting children was found. "We do not want to be seen as supporting something that stigmatises people," a spokeswoman told the paper.

But Davis may attempt to unite right-wing MPs in opposition to any changes. The shadow cabinet is thought to be evenly split on whether to back reform.