A SENIOR Tory MEP has defected to the Liberal Democrats over David Cameron's stance on Europe.
Edward McMillan-Scott, MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, once leader of the Conservative MEP faction in the European Parliament, rebelled against his leader's decision to break away from the centre-right European People's Party in Europe, arguing that he wanted to forge a more eurosceptic faction in Strasbourg.
After months of wrangling and a disciplinary hearing, Mr McMillan-Scott made the surprise announcement this afternoon that his days as a Tory were over.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said he was "delighted" to welcome a respected Tory into the fold.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here