A Prime Minister is never more powerful than those first days in office. Cameron has taken full advantage to this in his far-sighted curbing of the 1922 Committee’s power. While it could have backfired spectacularly, the Tory whips just left the committee room smiling and the vote to allow government ministers voting rights in the old backbench committee went Dave’s way – 168 to 118.

It was a big challenge and as one on the backbench whispered last night “he’s smiling while kicking us when we are down.” Nearly a half of  Cameron’s own troops voted against him but the measure will allow the Prime Minister far more control in the future. It was a risky idea, but he didn’t blink. Next big test is on the European stage later today…