David Cameron was humiliated in parliament last night by a rebellion of his own MPs. A motion by a back bench MP attracted 85 rebels to defy the party. The motion was easily beaten but only after Cameron was forced to allow Conservative MPs to abstain in the vote. Which actually means all the Conservative MP didn't support Cameron.
Earlier in the day, the home secretary told them proposals in the motion were against the law. It was that which swayed Labour to vote against the motion. The motion was defeated by Labour and LibDem votes. The Conservatives abstained and 85 rebelled and voted for the motion. Cameron abstained on his own policy??
It was a timely illustration of just how weak Cameron his. How his leadership is undermined. When the EU Referendum charade collapses Cameron can expect more decent from the ranks, and then there is the inevitable drubbing in the European elections to look forward to.
Not an ideal situation a year before a general election.
Don't take my word for it, here is the Daily Telegraph's spin on it
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/fraser-nelson/10607626/The-Tories-loop-of-vengeance-could-sink-their-election-hopes.html
Will Tory splits and rebellions cost them the election?