A series of leaked emails from one of David Cameron's closest aides, Desmond Swayne MP, have revealed backbiting, impending sackings and a widespread discontent with the party leadership throughout the ranks of the Conservative Party.

The emails from the Tory leader's parliamentary private secretary also refer to using the Make Poverty History Campaign as 'a diversion' tactic from conflicts over the Tory policy towards the EU.

Confirming what I have already posted on this blog, Swayne described a 'feeling of frustration and impotence' over Conservative policy towards Europe with much of the criticism reserved for both David Cameron and William Hague.

Cameron's disastrous leadership pledge to pull the Conservatives out of the European Parliament's centre-right European Peoples Party (EPP) and create a new party further to the right is looking very fragile. The emails confirm that pro-European Tory MEPs are 'furious' and 'angry' about Cameron's pledge whilst conversely the anti-European Tory MEPs might defect to UKIP if the project is 'blown off course.'

Cameron's promise on the EPP has plagued his leadership from the start and with senior colleagues in the European Parliament digging their heels in it the EPP issue shows no sign of going away soon - eight months after Cameron made his announcement. Those of us who thougt that a decision would be announced during the world cup while the public's attention was focussed elsewhere have been proved wrong!

The Sunday Times has made the leaked emails available to read on the net. To read them click here.