Outrage followed comments allegedly made by Liberal Democrat leader and local resident Nick Clegg on Sunday about Putney’s schools.

The Sunday Times reported he called schools near his home “big and alienating” and that he was thinking of sending his children to a private secondary school.

Justine Greening Putney's Conservative MP called the Wandsworth Borough News on Wednesday fuming at the comments, which she said were insensitive to both local teachers and parents.

But when approached for comment Mr Clegg’s office denied he had snubbed schools in Putney and said the newspaper had taken his quotes out of context.

A spokesman said: “Nick Clegg made the comments to the Sunday Times and subsequently reported in the Telegraph in relation to schools in London. He has never discussed or been asked about schools in his area specifically.

“His comments were in response to questions about where he would send his own children and why he feels many parents nationally abandon the state secondary sector. Mr Clegg’s children currently attend a state primary school in Putney.”

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