Tory Party Chairman Francis Maude has sensationally said that any MEP who fails to commit to signing up to the new European Grouping of right of centre MEPS will be precluded from standing under the Conservative banner at the next Euro elections. In a yet to be broadcast CHALLENGE THE CHAIRMAN interview with Tory Radio's Jonathan Sheppard. Here's the relevant extract...
Francis Maude: I think it would be very odd, given that David Cameron has made a clear commitment that there will be a new grouping after 2009 elections, if we were selecting candidates who were anything less than completely committed to joining whatever grouping the leader of the party negotiated.
Jonathan Sheppard: So we would want any candidates to back the new grouping
Francis Maude: That almost goes without saying.
So, apart from Christopher Beazley, who are the "Tory" MEPs who have said they will refuse to leave the EPP?