The main opposition was formed by the Free National Movement (FNM), established in 1972 through a merger between the UBP and alienated anti-independence PLP members calling themselves the Free PLP.
Alleged collusion with drug traffickers by members of the government became a major issue and threatened PLP power in the late 1980s.
"Leader of the Labour party" was a courtesy title given to the leader of the PLP.
In those days, the PLP regularly supported policies which were vehemently opposed by local activists.
The '22 is the Tory equivalent of the Parliamentary Labour party (PLP), the elected members' trade union branch, where grievances are aired and interests defended, some of them noble, others, like MPs' expenses, less so.
Back in 2010, Cameron, who preaches localism more than he practises it, tried to "reform" the '22 by allowing ministers to attend (but not vote) – as the PLP allows – which prompted a backlash.
They were meant to cut the PLP down to size.
If they do their duty they will not only save the party from betrayal, they will save several dozen members of the PLP from extinction.
Self-interest, as well as principles, should convince the PLP that it has a duty to exert such pressure on the prime minister that he realises that, if the bill goes ahead, he comes to a sudden stop.
It imposes duties on the PLP which, for most of the past 10 years, it has not fulfilled.
As members of the PLP screw up their courage, they may care to reflect on what Lloyd George said about Campbell-Bannerman after he won the election 100 years ago.
