Members have tonight voted to create a joint chairmanship of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group.

Members have tonight voted to create a joint chairmanship of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group.

The Group’s Bureau unanimously supported the change last month at a meeting chaired by leader Syed Kamall. The proposal has now been approved by the whole group and nominations to serve alongside Mr Kamall are being sought prior to a vote tomorrow evening (Wednesday).

Mr Kamall, whose own mandate is unaffected, explained the move was intended to assist the transitional period of the UK exiting the EU and beyond. The UK Conservatives are currently the Group’s largest delegation, with 20 of the 74 MEPs.

He said: “This formalises the current situation which sees me work alongside non-British colleagues on certain issues.

“It is important the ECR Group takes steps to ensure it continues to be the leading voice of reform in the European Parliament after the UK’s departure and the creation of a joint chairmanship is part of that process.

“It does not change my own position or my role as a bridge between Westminster and Brussels during the Brexit negotiations.”