Hunt would consider sending children to private schools

The shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt has refused to rule out sending his children to private school in the future.

Mr Hunt, who was promoted to the role during Ed Miliband's last reshuffle, insisted he had "absolute faith" in the state sector, but said you "can never say never" about what might happen in the future.

Speaking on The Agenda, the MP said:"I'm first and foremost a parent and a father, and I'm not saying that there are no circumstances ever in the future in which that decision might not have to be taken.

"But my kids are in the state sector, they're going to continue there, but I think it's important for politicians to be honest, and were something to occur in the future which necessitated that situation, I don't want people to say 'well he said he'd never do it'.

"I think you have to be open and frank about those potentialities as a parent."

The Agenda with Tom Bradby will be broadcast on ITV tonight at 10.35pm