Under current rules, the Prime Minister cannot face a leadership challenge until next June, when it will be 12 months since the most recent confidence vote. But supporters have launched a plot to oust him earlier, electing rebels to the executive committee of the 1922 Commission and then changing the rules to allow an earlier vote. Right now, the committee chair needs to receive 54 letters from MPs – representing 15 per cent of the parliamentary party – expressing a lack of confidence in the Prime Minister to trigger a vote. However, there is a plan to add a new rule which would state that if 90 new letters are submitted – representing 25 per cent of the party – it could trigger a new vote immediately rather than waiting for the whole year to pass. The count of letters calling on the prime minister to quit is reset after each vote of confidence, but rebels are confident they could top 108 after winning 148 votes in the first ballot to Mr Johnson’s 211.
“We have the votes now”
A senior campaigner told The Telegraph: “It would be wrong to just hold another election under the same rules. We have the votes now to get rid of the prime minister. “There was an idea that when you get to 90 letters, modifying the rules to allow for a second vote with 25 percent of the party. “Keep in mind after the first vote all letters are spent so you need 90 new letters submitted. This gives the prime minister an opportunity to regain the party’s confidence.” Sir Graham Brady, the current chairman of the commission, is expected to remain in place, but the remaining 17 executive seats will be contested. Rebel MPs will support candidates who support a rule change, while the Prime Minister’s allies will support those who want to maintain the status quo. The election itself will be seen as a proxy vote for Mr Johnson’s leadership.
