Speculation about the prospect of a challenge to Iain Duncan Smith leadership of the Conservative Party has been dismissed as "fantasy land politics".

Opponents of the Tory leader are widely reported to be taking soundings on whether they could get the 25 MPs needed to trigger a motion of no confidence.

The party ended its annual conference this month in a more upbeat mood but the latest opinion polls suggest most Tory voters are unhappy with Mr Duncan Smith's performance.

Any immediate leadership challenge is thought unlikely but the local council elections next May are seen as a key test for Mr Duncan Smith.

Poll worries

Mori's political monitor poll for October suggested a minus 7 approval rating for the Tory leader from Conservative supporters.

Thirty-two per cent of those questioned said they were satisfied with his leadership, compared to 39% who were not.

Among the public as a whole, 18% were satisfied and 44% dissatisfied, the poll suggested.

Portillo has ruled out trying again for the leadership

There have long been rumblings among sections of the Tory party about their leader's showing.

Wednesday's newspaper reports suggest some critical MPs have been making a concerted effort to brief against Mr Duncan Smith.

For a leadership challenge, 15% of the parliamentary party - 25 MPs - would need to sign a letter of no confidence and win that vote.

But they would be unlikely to take the risk of going public with their criticisms unless they are sure they could depose Mr Duncan Smith.

Local election test

There could also be reluctant to spark the party's seventh leadership election in less than 15 years.

Some critics apparently hope Mr Duncan Smith could fall on his own sword if he fails to make progress in next year's local elections.

One veteran MP told the Daily Mail he would be "extremely surprised" if 25 MPs called for a no confidence vote.

"Fifteen would not surprise me, but 25 would - this may be wishful thinking," he said.

"I don't think the party would take kindly to an execution now.

"They feel he should have the chance to fight next May's local elections."

'Tiny rump' of critics

A spokesman for Mr Duncan Smith told the newspaper that talk of a possible leadership challenge was "fantasy land politics".

"This is a tiny and irrelevant rump of malcontents from the last leadership contest," he added.

Iain Duncan Smith would be much more comfortable on the back benches

Peter Hain Welsh Secretary

After a year of trying to rebuild from a second successive landslide leadership defeat, the Tories unveiled a raft of policy proposals at this month's conference.

In his conference speech, Mr Duncan Smith said the party had begun "the slow, hard road back to power".

He has spent the last three weeks touring the country trying to get across his message that the Tories are back.

But he will break off from the tour on Wednesday to tackle Tony Blair at prime minister's questions.

Supporters of Ken Clarke, Michael Portillo and David Davis - all losers in the last leadership race - are said to be behind the speculation.

There is no an obvious strong challenger against Mr Duncan Smith.

Impossible job?

Mr Portillo has ruled out ever standing again for the leadership.

Former chancellor Mr Clarke is seen as too old for the job by some Tories.

And Mr Davis, demoted as party chairman, is disliked by some of those on the modernising wing of the party.

Welsh Secretary Peter Hain was asked at a news conference if he had sympathy for Mr Duncan Smith.

Mr Hain said: "I have had sympathy for Iain Duncan Smith from the moment he was elected.

"I think he has got an impossible job to do and he is not doing it very well and he would be much more comfortable on the back benches."