A HAMPSHIRE Conservative MP has voiced serious concerns over Government plans to make all schools academies.

Winchester MP Steve Brine, who is a ministerial aide at the Department of Health, has spoken about whether the Government should be forcing schools to become more independent from local government control.

In Hampshire the policy is being widely opposed by Conservatives who say it is unnecessary.

Mr Brine told the Daily Echo: "When we face a situation where 94 per cent of Winchester schools are 'good' our 'outstanding', it would be very odd if I didn't question any proposed change. That is what I am paid to do and what my constituents rightly expect of me.

"Headteachers in my constituency tell me they currently get a first rate service from Hampshire County Council which would explain why so few schools in the county have chosen to convert to date. Any change that comes from this process needs to protect this and it's the main focus of discussions I am having with ministers."

Asked whether he would vote against the issue in the House of Commons, Mr Brine said the proposal was at a very early stage.

Mr Brine, PPS to Jeremy Hunt and also a father of two, said: "We must remember these are proposals in a White Paper and I expect the Government to make big changes before even attempting to draft legislation to put before the Commons."

Mr Brine's unhappiness about the academy issue was picked up by the BBC and he was interviewed on the Radio 4 Today programme.

He said he was meeting the secretary of state for education Nicky Morgan this week and had got feedback from local headteachers about the issue.

But he added that opposition from headteachers to academies was not universal and some had been in touch to say they are seeking academy status.

Winchester's newest school, to serve the new Barton Farm estate, will be an academy school. As reported in the Daily Echo, its opening has been delayed after delays in the start of construction of the 2,000-home estate.