New leader of backbench Tory MPs holds the party’s future in his hands

Bob Blackman, until now an obscure backbencher with no ministerial experience, will have real power as the chair of the 1922 Committee. Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty Images

Rishi Sunak remains leader of the Conservatives for now but the party’s most important figure is arguably a veteran backbencher with little national profile and zero ministerial experience.

Bob Blackman, the MP for Harrow East, has taken on a pivotal role in shaping his party’s forthcoming leadership contest after being elected as chair of the 1922 Committee of backbench MPs.