What is the ERG? Who are members of European Research Group - what does Tory MP group do?

The European Research Group (ERG) created more accusations of seperation within the Conservative Party after the group announced that it could not back a single candidate priot to Rishi Sunak’s eventual selection as the new party leader.

The group has a key role within the Tory party itself, and has at times found itself to be high-influential in the main decision-making. While both Sunak and Penny Mordaunt remained in the race to replace Liz Truss as party leader and Prime Minister, the group announced it could not decide to chose a single candidate to back.

However, it attempted to negate any accusations of this representing divisions within the Tory party by saying that the group would back either candidate based on their approach to key issues of Brexit.

But just what is the ERG - and why are they so influential in the party? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is the European Research Group?

The European Research Group is a group of eurosceptic Tory MPs. The ERG undertakes secretive research led by experts, to back arguments for leaving the European Union and other eurosceptic issues.

It was created in 1993 by then-MP Sir Michael Spicer, the ERG in the 2020s is often refered to as the “party-within-a-party”. Spicer founded the group after questions rose within the centre and right wings of the Tory party about the UK’s place within the European Community.

It became more notable during the EU Referendum in 2016. The ERG’s influence over the party and the people at the top became more evident during this time and after Brexit, becoming an influential player in the Conservative Party.

How has the ERG influenced the Tory party?

The ERG has been key to the livihood of the Prime Minister’s time in office over the past few premierships. For example, the group led the backlash to Theresa May’s handling of Brexit negotiations, and eventually forced the party’s hand to hold a vote of no confidence in the former PM.

While May survived the vote, she eventually lost her support for premiership after MPs, including those in the ERG, refused to back her. After Brexiteer Boris Johnson took up the role of Prime Minister and won a resounding majority at the 2019 general election, many of the new Tory MPs chose to join the group upon entering the House of Commons.

In addition to this, many of the ERG’s subscribered hold notable status or roles within Cabinet.

Who are the members of the ERG?

Ardent Brexiteer Mark Francois is the group’s chairman. Deputy chairman is held by David Jones and Deputy Chairwoman is held by Andrea Jenkyns.

Members of the group are refered to as “subscribers”, and includes notable Tory MPs such as Jacob Rees-Mogg, Suella Braverman, Therese Coffey and James Cleverly.

Liz Truss’ eventually-doomed premiership marked a huge step forward for the group, with nine cabinet roles given to ERG subscribers. This included two great offices of state - James Cleverly as Foreign Secretary and Suella Braverman as Home Secretary.

With the group failing to chose a solid candidate to endorse as the party searched for Truss’ successor, it remains to be seen what direct influence the ERG will have on Rishi Sunak’s cabinet.