What is a vote of no confidence, will Theresa May face a leadership challenge and how many MPs have called for one?

Here's how she could be kicked out of Downing Street.

What is a vote of no confidence?

There are two kinds, both of which Theresa May will be desperate to avoid.

A motion of no confidence is moved in the House of Commons with the wording "that this House has no confidence in HM Government".

The backing of a majority of MPs would topple the government. If a new government with the support of the Commons cannot be formed within 14 days, an early General Election is called.

It is one of only two ways in which an early General Election may be triggered under the terms of the Fixed Term Parliaments Act 2011.

The other kind is a process within the Conservative party for removing a leader.

Tory MPs can write to the chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee expressing no confidence in Mrs May.

If enough MPs demanded it there would be a vote of all Tory MPs and if she lost she would have to quit as party leader.

A group of Labour MPs previously urged Jeremy Corbyn to table a vote of no confidence in the government, in order to expose the lack of support in the House of Commons.

The Telegraph reported that Jacob Rees-Mogg is preparing his own vote of no confidence.

The news comes as rumours circulate as to who May will appoint as Dominic Raab's successor.

Some have tipped Michael Gove for the role of Brexit Secretary, although there is still some doubt as to whether he will remain a minister rather than resign.

Could Theresa May face a leadership challenge?

The double resignation of Boris Johnson and David Davis sparked fears Tory MPs could revolt against the PM.

Some are said to be openly calling for her to be removed.

Under current rules, 15 per cent of Tory MPs must write to the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Graham Brady, to trigger a vote of no confidence in Mrs May.

With 316 Tory MP, it needs at least 48 letters to trigger a vote.

All Tory MPs would then take part in a secret ballot on whether she should stay as leader.

If she lost there would be a leadership contest to find her replacement.

Candidates have to be nominated and seconded by fellow MPs. The top two after round of ballots among MPs are put forward to a vote among the party membership.

Theresa May's agreed Brexit proposal, tabled on 14 November to her Cabinet, could force resigning ministers to once and for all submit the required 48 letters of no confidence.

 

How many MPs have called for a no confidence vote?

Only Mr Brady knows how many letters he has received, and he will not announce it until the threshold of 48 is reached.

Rumours claim dozens have been sent following May's soft Brexit proposals at Chequers.

And according to reports before Davis and Johnson quit, rebels were just six letters short of the required numbers to trigger a vote.

On 3 October, James Duddridge became the latest MP to openly call for May to go by submitting a letter of no confidence hours before her conference speech.

Source: Read Full Article