Following a wave of Tory resignations, Boris Johnson’s future as Prime Minister hangs in the balance.
However, as a resignation letter from the Tory leader himself does not appear to be forthcoming, MPs will have to find another way to oust him, should they wish to do so.
Despite only facing–and winning–a confidence vote in June, Johnson could soon be facing another.
The 1922 Committee–a committee of backbench Conservative MPs with the aim of facilitating cooperation within the party–could find a way to bring about another vote within days.
Conservative MP Andrew Murrison, who quit his role as a government trade envoy yesterday in protest at Mr Johnson’s leadership, said: “He needs to depart now with dignity...he has to go now. If he doesn’t go now then inevitably he will do.
“This has a sense of inevitability about it. So either by more ministerial resignations... or the 1922 will change the rules and we will be rid of him that way. But one way or another this will be done.”
So how could they change the rules—and will Johnson be facing another vote so soon?
Could Boris Johnson face a new vote of confidence?
The Prime Minister faced a confidence vote on June 6 and won by 211 votes to 148.
Current 1922 Committee rules say that he cannot face another confidence vote for another 12 months.
However, there have been reports that the 1922 Committee could try to change the rules to allow them to call a confidence vote much sooner.
The committee may reportedly change the rules as soon as Wednesday evening.
Then, if enough MPs send letters to Sir Graham Brady to demand a new confidence vote, one could be held within the next few days.
According to The Telegraph, one plan is to create a rule that means if 25% of the party sends letters, it could trigger a new vote straight away.
Alternatively, the committee will wait until new members are elected to the executive (which is expected to happen next week), before changing the rules.
Could Boris Johnson win a confidence vote?
If a confidence vote were called now, following this week’s wave of resignations, it is likely that the margin by which the prime minister could win the vote would be reduced, compared to last month’s vote, or he could lose.
To win the vote now, Tory rebels would need around 20 MPs who previously supported Johnson to turn against him.
What happens if Boris Johnson loses a confidence vote?
If the Prime Minister were to lose a confidence vote, he would no longer be leader of the Conservative party and therefore prime minister.
He would not be allowed to stand in a subsequent leadership conquest to decide the next leader, and therefore prime minister.
