David Cameron has hinted he could attempt to govern without the Liberal Democrats if disputes within the coalition made it impossible to continue.
The Prime Minister said if difficulties between his Conservatives and Nick Clegg’s Lib Dems meant the Government could not get things done, “we’d have to face the new circumstances in whatever way we should”.
The comments came as the Tory leadership attempted to defuse rows over claims a senior figure called grassroots activists “swivel-eyed loons”, plans to allow gay marriages and the party’s policy on Europe.
However, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, appearing on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show insisted the party was “absolutely united” behind the Prime Minister’s plan to renegotiate the UK’s relationship with Brussels and then seek the public’s view in an in/out referendum by the end of 2017.
Mr Cameron said: “The coalition has its frustrations, there’s no doubt about it and we have disagreements.
“Sometimes, those disagreements mean you can’t take actions in the areas you want to but when I stand back and look at the coalition, I still think what’s remarkable is how radical we have been in making really important changes in our country.
“I’m here to deliver good government for the country and we’ve still got important work to do paying down the deficit, turning round the economy and all the rest of it.
“What matters to me, though, is can we get things done? Can we improve the state of the country? Can we fulfil our manifesto?
“The best way to do it is to continue with the coalition but if that wasn’t the case, then we’d have to face the new circumstances in whatever way we should.”
However, Lib Dem Cabinet minister Danny Alexander said: “Liberal Democrats will ensure this Government will be strong and stable enough to be able to take the difficult decisions in the years to come, no matter what happens in other parties.”
A Downing Street spokesman said “The coalition will continue until 2015.”
The interview was published as the Conservative leadership rallied around party co-chairman Lord Feldman in the row over reports an ally of Mr Cameron said the local parties were “swivel-eyed loons” who forced MPs to adopt hardline stances.
Lord Feldman, who was not named in newspaper reports, was forced to strenuously deny making the comments after internet speculation linked him to the alleged remarks.
Tory vice-chairman Bob Neill stepped up the war of words between Conservative central office and the press, saying: “I think we have to be very, very wary of this, I think, rather slipshod bit of journalism.”
Party treasurer Lord Fink said Lord Feldman had “always spoken about the activists who run our party with enormous respect and admiration, both in large meetings and private”.
However, Tory MP Brian Binley said if the remarks were made by someone in Mr Cameron’s inner circle it would not be a surprise, because the leadership has a “disdainful” view of the party’s volunteers.
Mr Binley, a member of the party board chaired by Lord Feldman, said he “certainly will be wanting to know more about it” at the body’s next meeting.
Lord Feldman, a friend of Mr Cameron’s from their days at Oxford, said it was “completely untrue” he had made the comments.
“I would like to make it quite clear I did not nor have ever described our associations in this way or in any similar manner. Nor do these alleged comments represent my view of our activists.”
Mr Cameron was also facing fresh pressure from Tory volunteers over gay marriage.