HARRY Cohen has slammed a leading Conservative over his criticism of “soft” A Level subjects such as dance.

Michael Gove, shadow education minister, in an article published in the Evening Standard newspaper, said: “Our leading universities have made it clear that taking soft subjects such as media studies or dance at A Level harms candidates chances of admission.”

Mr Gove said that because all A Level subjects carry the same weight in league tables, weaker schools in poorer areas encourage pupils to take “soft” subjects to boost their rankings.

Leyton MP Mr Cohen, who is a founder member of the Parliamentary Dance Group, said :”It is important to raise the profile of dance in this country and it does merit a proper qualification, including at A Level standard.

“This is another example of Tory elitism, downgrading young people with talents which do not fit the Tories narrow ideas around education.”

Mr Cohen is standing down at the next election, because he says, of stress caused by his role in the expenses scandal.

The MP who has a home in Colchester, Essex, claimed for a second home in Woodcote Road, Wanstead, which is just six miles from Parliament.

He was the joint highest claimant in the commons in 2007/08.