During his leadership campaign, Cameron made one promise that everyone noted - to withdraw Tory MEPs from the pro-federalist EPP group in the European Parliament.

In the Guardian Michael White suggests that that promise means

David Cameron's honeymoon with the electorate risks being wrecked by internal feuding over the same controversy which helped to destroy Conservative credibility in the 1990s

.

For Tory MEPs the implication of Cameron keeping his word is that it would

cut them off from influential policy-making posts at Strasbourg, along with the EPP's network of funds and Europe-wide connections as the largest EU political grouping.

Instead, they would create their own faction with smaller conservative groups, some dismissed as eccentric and very rightwing.

Michael White links this issue to the fate of Francis Maude* (rumoured to be headed for the chop)

the Tory chairman, Angus Maude, infuriated German colleagues at a seminar in Italy when he told them flatly the Tories would leave. Some Tory MPs present were also said to be aghast.

Mr Maude is already under fire from the right. "Francis is clever, but abrasive and tactless. He pours oil on troubled water and then sets it alight," said one MP.

A promise is a promise. Ming dumped the Jag. Let's see if David dumps the EPP.

* Michael refers to Angus Maude - but we think we know who he means.