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Tories wanted cheaper cladding on Grenfell Tower to save cash, it was claimed last night.

A construction company said it quoted £3.3million for fireproof panels for the council’s preferred contractor Leadbitter.

D+B Facades provided costs for solid aluminium sheets backed with mineral wool insulation, which does not burn.

But months later Tory-run Kensington and Chelsea council decided Leadbitter were too expensive and put the contract out to tender to save £1.3million.

(Image: Rydon)

It chose Rydon, which offered a cheaper price but fitted the building with panels blamed for the blaze spreading so quickly.

D+B Facades director Peter Hillyard told The Guardian the decision sent “a shiver down my spine”.

Experts have said that solid aluminium cladding would almost certainly have saved lives.

(Image: PA)

(Image: Rydon)

The West London skyscraper was burned out in a blaze last June, killing 71 people.

Investigations, including a police probe and a public inquiry, are under way.

Leadbitter owner Bouygues, Rydon and the council all declined to comment, citing the probes.