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So Alan Duncan has become the first serving Conservative MP to say that he's gay. Apparently he has the blessing of the Tory leadership, but just how much support will Mr Duncan have WITHIN the party? Our political correspondent, Guto Harri, is outside Mr Duncan's house in Westminster.

Mr Duncan's statement comes amid apparent feuding between Tory modernisers and traditionalists.

David Davis was axed as party chairman after anonymous claims that he was blocking Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith's more progressive, inclusive agenda.

Living in disguise as a politician in the modern world simply isn't an option

Alan Duncan

The Times newspaper says Mr Duncan Smith has welcomed and supported Mr Duncan's decision to declare his sexuality.

The shadow foreign affairs minister has never kept his sexuality from friends and colleagues.

He told the paper: "The Tory view has always been, 'We don't mind, but don't say'. Well, that doesn't work any more.

"I think the only realistic way to behave these days, particularly if you are a politician, is to be absolutely honest."

Central figure

Talking about homosexuality, he told the paper: "It's how you're born, and it's no different from being born Jewish, Catholic, short, tall or anything else."

While several Labour MPs are gay, Tories MPs who have been outed in the past have resigned or lost their seats.

Iain Duncan Smith supports Mr Duncan's decision to come out

But in January the Conservative Party signalled a change in its approach to gay issues by calling for homosexual partners to be given some of the legal rights held by married couples.

Mr Duncan, MP for Rutland and Melton, said he hoped his decision would make the "path of others easier" but insisted that no one should feel obliged to discuss their private life.

He has been a central figure in Tory politics for more than a decade.

His home was the headquarters for John Major's successful 1990 leadership campaign and he organised William Hague's 1997 victory.

He vigorously backed Michael Portillo in the most recent leadership battle but Mr Duncan Smith promoted him to shadow the Middle East minister in the wake of 11 September.

Home support

Kenneth Bool, chairman of Mr Duncan's Rutland and Melton Conservative Association, praised the MP's honesty.

"Our MP, Alan Duncan, is doing an excellent job as Member of Parliament for the Rutland and Melton Constituency and as a Shadow Foreign Minister at Westminster," he said.

"His honesty is not an act of confession, it is a refreshing act of initiative and typical of the man.

"It is simply not an issue, as we believe most people will take a mature view and will not be overly concerned.

"As chairman I confirm that he has the full support of the officers and the management team of the Rutland and Melton Conservative Association."