British Conservatives in the European Parliament are on the verge of a split with the ECR’s Polish leader Micha? Kami?ski. The potential split suggests that the Conservatives are once again trying to assert themselves in the European Parliament since leaving the EPP-ED in 2009.

Kami?ski, is under pressure from MEPS in his own party as well as ECR members from a variety of member states who question his administrative value as group leader.

In a recent meeting with the UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Kami?ski was reportedly ‘ambushed’ by Timothy Kirkhope on the steps of number 10 who Kami?ski was not expecting to be present at the meeting. The move signals Cameron’s growing confidence within the ECR just over a year after kowtowing to Kami?ski and his party just after the ECR’s creation.

David Cameron’s choice of political allies in the European Parliament has come under much criticism since the ECR’s formation, not least from former conservative MEP and Vice President of the Parliament Edward McMillan Scott   who was expelled from the conservative party after refusing to step down from the vice presidential race to allow Kami?ski to take the position.

What the Conservatives seem to be offering Kami?ski, much to his apparent chagrin, is the installation of Timothy Kirkhope as co-chairman of the group in what would amount to a face saving move for both sides. It would allow the British Conservatives to take de-facto control of the ECR while allowing Kami?ski to remain in his position.

At a recent group meeting to discuss the proposal however, Kami?ski is reported to have reacted to the proposals furiously, causing the meeting to degenerate into a shouting match and for nothing to be resolved. What happens next will likely be the making or breaking of the ECR and all eyes will surely be on their next Group meeting in September.